Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2838 in Books
• Published on: 2007-05-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Sunday Times
Insightful and gripping

Simon Jenkins, Sunday Times
All who glibly generalise about the no-man's-land between terrorism and multiculturalism should read this articulate and impassioned book.

Martin Amis
A persuasive and stimulating book.

Customer Reviews

Pertinent exposé written for the culturally aware
Eye-opening, honest and intense. I read 'The Islamist' back when it was first released, curious yet naive to the true picture of radical Islam in the West. As with any religion, there are followers who have their faith exploited and distorted. 'The Islamist' is a fascinating account of one man's membership to an extreme organisation, as he fell victim to a way of life that terrifies those on the outside.

Although I read this memoir to fuel my interest in current affairs, the main reason I picked it up is because I wanted to grasp the underlying differences between the beliefs of traditional muslims and those of Islamic extremists. It truely opened my eyes to a culture that I had only been exposed to through the media. Reading books on the subject written in third person are great for gaining an overall, more academic understanding, but Ed Hussain here offers a much greater insight into how and why these groups behave.

Terrorism is a subject on everyone's lips, which is why Hussain's story is so important. Personally however, I believe everone should read this book to eliminate the prejudice that is experienced by so many British Muslims. It is a terrible shame that in the 21st century, it is wrongly assumed by many that those who believe in the same God and dress the same follow the same way of life.

A very good book brought to you by someone who was there.
I really enjoyed this book, which I found easy to read and gripping. A dynamic and organic view of muslim life for a young man growing up in London, written by a muslim whos belief structure changes as his exposure to the radical and fundmentlist elements increases. A balanced book, that I found interesting and informative and leaves the reader with a thirst for more knowledge. Im really pleased I got this book, buy it....

Clear, contempory, chilling and compulsive
Great book. A timely counterpoint and contribution to the whole Islam vs. everyone else debate that characterises much / all of the media coverage of this. However, I found the book to be a fascinating and compelling account of one man's search for religious definition and meaning - something that many people experience regardless of their faith or lack of it. As a result I found the book informative as I learnt about the issues between Islam vs. Wahabism that I knew little about but it was also useful to compare and contrast his experiences and struggles with faith with my own, even though as a CofE person I am somewhat removed from his direct experiences. Would commend this to everyone as a valuable view into contempory issues as well as spiritual journey's