The civic challenge

Banning organisations such as Islam4UK could be effective, but it is only the start

Banning organisations that encourage or incite acts of terrorism may be an effective measure to combat Islamist extremism, but it is only the start.

The Islamist worldview is based on a highly distorted and romanticised interpretation of Muslim history, a misreading of traditional Islamic theology and a twisted view of contemporary geopolitics. Such a worldview is usually promoted against a backdrop of acute feelings of marginalisation, identity crisis and disillusionment with the mainstream. Islamist ideologies, however, can appeal to anyone and thus a robust civic challenge must arise and be nurtured.

This civic challenge can involve all elements of society and different people can contribute in different ways. After all, it's about standing up for and defending liberal values, a secular public space and a democratic political framework. It is also about being proud of, and unapologetic about, the ideals we are striving for. Defending these ideals against advocates of totalitarian theocracies is a duty of Muslims, non-Muslims and all those who value and cherish liberal democracy. This doesn't mean we abandon those very same principles we are defending, like free speech, in order to protect them. Rather we need to be brave and stand tall against those who aim to use liberal democratic principles to undermine and ultimately dismantle liberal democratic societies.

There is also the theological aspect of the debate which is better suited to those who have an in-depth understanding of Islamic theology. Many Muslim scholars have traditionally been reluctant and timid in their condemnation of Islamists. Not because they actually agree with them but because they are rooted in classical Islamic learning and hence struggle to appreciate the true nature of the Islamist project. Islamism is not rooted in the Islamic tradition but rather is an amalgamation of western concepts of statehood and a vacuous re-reading of scripture. As such it doesn't resonate with traditional Muslim scholars, who are often forthcoming in condemnations of terrorism but rarely fully understand the ideological nature of the Islamist movement. Also many of them are not media savvy or in tune with contemporary trends and so their public messaging is weak and ineffective.

However, what we are starting to see is a number of Muslims and non-Muslims who, having had direct first-hand experiences with Islamists, are starting to make a stand. This ‘stand' involves op-eds in national papers, counter-demonstrations against extremist stunts, websites condemning extremists and networking with like-minded people. A seed has been planted and it is beginning to grow.

But this seed is being obstructed by elements on the political left and right in this country. Elements of the left often fail to distinguish anti-war/anti-imperialist Muslim voices from Islamists, which can result in them supporting and empowering the latter whilst denouncing others who challenge them. Elements of the right often assume that Islam and Muslims are inherently problematic; hence people who speak out against Islamists have the additional concern of making sure that their voices cannot be confused with those on the right. Islamists and their left wing sympathisers are often happy to add to this confusion and keep the lines blurred. The media desire for sensationalism also continues to allow extremists to amplify their voices, distorting public perceptions of Muslim opinion and giving fodder to the far-right.

So it is not easy to make a stand against Islamist extremism in Britain today. But regardless of the obstacles, the sacrifice is worth it because the stakes are just too high. The civic challenge will go on. Better education about the nature of the threat and the importance of opposing it is vital. We cannot allow anyone to harm national cohesion and infringe upon the civil rights of others. People have to speak out; after all we all know what happens when good people remain silent.

Ghaffar Hussain is head of outreach and training at the Quilliam Foundation

14 Jan 2010 15:35

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Comments

• Posted by Stan Rosenthal on 14 January 2010, 6:43:27 PM Well said, Ghaffar. As you say, totalitarian theocracies have no place in a progressive movement and those on the left who defend them or are simply keeping quiet on this issue are betraying our cause.