Press Release - 22 July 2005

Holy warriors or disaffected youth?

What drives young people to acts of extremist violence? Dr Mohammed Ali OBE, chief executive of QED-UK, explores the tensions that have given rise to home-grown terrorists.

The news that police have been called to suspected bomb attacks at three more Underground stations will have surprised few people.

Since the attacks of July 7, everyone has been jumpy - Muslims and non-Muslims alike. In today's world, the threat of terror is ever-present but the realisation that some of our young people have become so alienated that they are willing to commit atrocities on British soil has shocked everybody. What drives them to take such extreme actions? Is it brainwashing by radical sects or disaffection with government policy? And what can be done to prevent an escalation of violence - both from frustrated Muslim youth who feel unable to express their feelings through legitimate channels and from far-right groups exploiting the current tensions to stir up racial hatred?

First of all, it's important to understand where the Qu'ran stands on warfare and the use of physical force. In Islam all life is sacred and no one has the right to take it except God, so the term 'jihad' has a much broader meaning than 'holy war'. In fact, it refers to any struggle to remove injustice, bring about good and prevent evil. This covers legitimate forms of self-expression like campaigning an issue through lobbying or publicising a cause, as well as a person's individual struggle against temptation.

Although physical hostilities such as terrorism could be classed as jihad, they are allowed only in certain circumstances and are the exception, not the rule. The Qu'ran clearly states that Muslims can fight only if war has been wrongfully waged against them - if their land is being attacked or if they are prevented from practising their religion, for example. Even then, there are strict guidelines to prevent the death of innocent civilians. It is forbidden to kill those without weapons, women, children or elderly people. Indiscriminate slaughter is not allowed - and nor is suicide, because everyone is a guardian of his or her own life.

So true Muslims do not believe that attacks on non-believers will be rewarded with a place in Paradise. Far from it - it is written that the perpetrators of such an act would not even 'smell the fragrance of heaven'. This does not mean that Muslims should condone foreign policies that result in the loss of civilian life - rather that they should channel their opposition through legitimate democratic processes.

But what if those voices are not heard? Tony Blair is working with Muslim community leaders to form a task force to tackle extremist views and already social deprivation has been put forward as being among the underlying causes of radical behaviour.

This is not news to any of us at QED-UK, which has spent fifteen years campaigning for the advancement of disadvantaged South Asian communities, many of whom are Muslims. We simply cannot continue to ignore the fact that the 45% employment rate of Muslims, mainly of Pakistani origin, lags so far behind the national average of 75%. Under-achievement in education has also been cited as a possible contributory factor but there is still a difference of 11% when graduates are compared. Smouldering discontent with long-standing social injustices provides a fertile breeding ground from which radical extremists can draw new recruits.

Low levels of political participation have also been blamed for creating the current situation - and no wonder. With so few Muslims active in public life, where are the role models that can demonstrate successful engagement in the democratic process? QED-UK's Regen Matters programme aims to equip young South Asians with the skills and knowledge necessary to play a part in influencing policy but much more work needs to be done to ensure that everyone feels that they have a voice.

Lastly, the media has been blamed for playing a part in fanning the flames of outrage and frustration through selective coverage and biased reporting of foreign affairs. However, over the last month most newspapers and broadcasters have been united in emphasising that anyone resorting to acts of terrorism against innocent civilians is not a true Muslim, but is perverting the faith to serve his or her political ends.

We may never fully understand what motivated the London bombers but if peaceful community relations are to be maintained, it is crucial that their actions are not confused with mainstream Islamic belief. Meanwhile we must continue to strive towards a more egalitarian society, where economic prosperity automatically leads to social harmony.

For further information, please contact Dr Mohammed Ali OBE on (01274) 483267 or (0781) 2010918.