The Islamist: Why I joined radical Islam in Britain, what I saw inside and why I left (book)

Penguin ^ | Ed Husain

[Lorianne]

When I was sixteen I became an Islamic fundamentalist. Five years later, after much emotional turmoil, I rejected fundamentalist teachings and returned to normal life and my family. I tried to put my experiences behind me, but as the events of 7/7 unfolded it became clear to me that Islamist groups pose a threat to this country that we — Muslims and non-Muslims alike — do not yet understand.

Why are young British Muslims becoming extremists? What are the risks of another home-grown terrorist attack on British soil? By describing my experiences inside these groups, the reasons I joined them and how, after leaving I recovered my faith and mind, I hope to explain the appeal of extremist thought, how fanatics penetrate Muslim communities and the truth behind their agenda of subverting the West and moderate Islam. Writing candidly about life after extremism, I illustrate the depth of the problem that now grips Muslim hearts and minds. I will lay bare what politicians and Muslim 'community leaders' do not want you to know.

This is the first time an ex-member openly discusses life within radical Islamic organisations. This is my story.

'should be prescribed like medicine' Daily Telegraph

[Frwy]

I don’t need to BUY a book to understand why they do what they do. I already know. Their beloved Koran tells them to kill the infidels and anyone who isn’t Muslim is an infidel - “especially Americans”.

[Nathan Zachary]

No doubt a fatwa has already been issued for his head. Betraying the umma and letting the truth about Islam out is a serious no-no.

[WorkerbeeCitizen]

I don’t need a book to explain what I learned on September 1st, 2001.

[rickmichaels]

Why are young British Muslims becoming extremists?

Is it because they're young? Is it because they're British? Gee, there must be SOME reason. What on earth could it be?

[rickmichaels]

What was that?

[WorkerbeeCitizen]

Where Islam is, there to we find death, destruction and oppression, but mostly, we find death.

Something like that.

[rogernz]

a guy who was in the iran/syria supported terrorist group from southern lebanon (forget their moment right now) left and converted to christianity and now does speaking tours about the dangers of islam.

[WorkerbeeCitizen]

We need more like him to speak.

[ndt]

"Their beloved Koran tells them to kill the infidels and anyone who isn’t Muslim is an infidel - “especially Americans”."

Yes, every other page of the Koran makes references to America, a country that would not exist for another 1200 years.

There actually might be a thing or two to be learned here.

[WorkerbeeCitizen]

But aside from what I learned about Islam on September 1st, 2001, this book of his attempts to lay fault of Islam extremism at the feet of social ills and not on the cause of extremism, which is Islam itself.

Other than that - POI

[ndt]

"But aside from what I learned about Islam on September 1st, 2001, this book of his attempts to lay fault of Islam extremism at the feet of social ills and not on the cause of extremism, which is Islam itself."

Have you read the book?

[WorkerbeeCitizen]

No I haven't but I would like to read more than what is shown.

After a quick scanning I should have said it "seems that he attempts to lay blame on social ills."

But not enough info.

In my opinion, any work that attempts that approach will quickly lose my interest.

In a point of agreement though, we need more Muslims speaking out.

[Grizzled Bear]

Leaving Islam results in you being branded a “heretic.” The punishment is death.

[Flying Circus]

What happened on September 1st, 2001? Admittedly news events of that day were obscured by events 10 days later.

[WorkerbeeCitizen]

Do you mean this?

THE PRESIDENT'S CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT MILITARY OPERATIONS AGAINST TERRORISTS AND NATIONS SUPPORTING THEM

[WorkerbeeCitizen]

Lest we forget.

[newberger]

Actually, it results in being labeled an “apostate”.

Death is the penalty where Sharia is in force by an Islamic state. Many Muslims do not accept that.

[theymakemesick]

I’m not sure what you’re trying to say here, but I think it’s that Islam has something to do with their extremism. I have it on high authoritaaah that Islam is a religon of peace.

[WorkerbeeCitizen]

oooppppssss

Yup that too.