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

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

by EdHusain (Author)

Synopsis

Ed Husain's "The Islamist" is the shocking inside story of British Islamic fundamentalism, told by a former radical. "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. As I recovered my faith and mind, 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 and the reasons I joined them, 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 and lay bare what politicians and Muslim 'community leaders' do not want you to know.' "A complete eye-opener". ("The Times"). "Captivating, and terrifyingly honest". ("Observer"). "Persuasive and stimulating". (Martin Amis). "Read this articulate and impassioned book". (Simon Jenkins, "Sunday Times"). Ed Husain was an Islamist radical for five years in his late teens and early twenties. Having rejected extremism he travelled widely in the Middle East and worked for the British Council in Syria and Saudi Arabia. Husain received wide and various acclaim for "The Islamist", which was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize for political writing and the PEN/Ackerley Prize for literary autobiography, amongst others.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 288
Edition: Reprint
Publisher: Penguin
Published: 03 May 2007

ISBN 10: 0141030437
ISBN 13: 9780141030432
Prizes: Shortlisted for PEN/Ackerley Prize 2008 and Orwell Prize 2008.

Media Reviews
This captivating and terrifyingly honest book is . . . a wake-up call. - The Guardian (UK) Persuasive and stimulating. -Martin Amis
Author Bio
Ed Husain was an Islamist radical for five years in his late teens and early twenties. Having rejected extremism he travelled widely in the Middle East and worked for the British Council in Syria and Saudi Arabia. Husain received wide and various acclaim for The Islamist, which was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize for political writing and the PEN/Ackerley Prize for literary autobiography, amongst others. He is a co-founder of the Quillium Foundation, Britain's first Muslim counter extremism think tank. He lives in London with his wife and daughter.