Radicalization and Stability – A Brief Dialogue with David Ben Basat

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allah, The Exalted, said:

وَلَا تُجَٰدِلُوٓا۟ أَهْلَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ إِلَّا بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ مِنْهُمْ وَقُولُوٓا۟ ءَامَنَّا بِٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْنَا وَأُنزِلَ إِلَيْكُمْ وَإِلَٰهُنَا وَإِلَٰهُكُمْ وَٰحِدٌ وَنَحْنُ لَهُۥ مُسْلِمُونَ

And argue not with the people of the Scripture, unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good words and in good manner, inviting them to Islamic Monotheism with His Verses), except with such of them as do wrong, and say (to them): “We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you; our Ilah (God) and your Ilah (God) is One (i.e. Allah), and to Him we have submitted (as Muslims).” [Al-Ankabut 46]

In this article, we aim to present a few reflections on an opinion piece written by David Ben Basat in the Jerusalem Post, entitled “Without taking action against radicalization, Europe risks losing stability.” One of the key motivations behind our forthcoming observations is the reference to Birmingham Muslims made by David. Birmingham is not only the birthplace of many of us but also our place of residence, where both Muslim and non-Muslim communities coexist. Consequently, any commentary regarding Muslim life in Birmingham must be grounded in factual accuracy, avoiding ambiguity, insufficient information, or sweeping generalisations that may distort the true essence of the situation from all perspectives.

David stated: “In November 2015, the ISIS terror organization struck at the heart of France’s capital. A series of coordinated attacks – including suicide bombings, shootings, and other acts of violence – claimed the lives of approximately 150 people and injured hundreds more. In response, then-President François Hollande declared a state of emergency, closing the nation’s borders for the first time since World War II. Paris came to a standstill. Its stock exchange, schools, and shopping centers were shuttered, and the Eiffel Tower was plunged into darkness. The nation declared three days of mourning”. [end of quote]

Response: Regardless of the religious affiliations of those responsible for this tragic event, both Muslims and non-Muslims have suffered at the hands of terrorists across various regions. It is a sentiment shared by all individuals of integrity to denounce the horrors witnessed in Paris and beyond, and it is imperative that those who orchestrated such violence face the most fitting retribution. As for the underlying motives as some have suggested – whether this incident was anticipated yet allowed to unfold for the sake of political maneuvering or to manipulate public sentiment, diverting attention from domestic issues that authorities preferred to keep in the shadows—such matters remain in the unseen, known only to Allah and those directly involved. Nevertheless, irrespective of any ulterior motives, this act is unequivocally deemed unlawful in the Sight of the Creator, warranting the harshest consequences for its perpetrators. Terrorism, regardless of its source—be it individuals, factions, or state actors—constitutes a malevolent offense. The actions of ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Jabhat An-Nusra, Boko Haram, Al-Shabab, the PKK, or the Zionist military under Benjamin Netanyahu are all met with unreserved condemnation.

David stated: “Subsequently, France has faced many terror attacks and murders carried out by radicalized Muslim immigrants. Shocked citizens have struggled to comprehend how their nation, after offering refuge to those fleeing war and poverty, in return for its hospitality, had become the target of violence and terror in return”. [end of quote]

Response: A radicalised Muslim can be understood as an individual who, burdened by grievances, lacks the profound understanding and reverence for Allah necessary to navigate these issues, or as one who has been manipulated by the khawaarij, who distort religious texts to rationalise their so-called Jihad. While we share David’s astonishment at the betrayal of those granted refuge, a far greater outrage lies in the relentless brutality inflicted by Zionists upon Palestinians for over seventy years. This, however, does not excuse Hamas or any other faction from inflicting harm upon innocent civilians under Netanyahu’s regime. The terrorist acts in France are unequivocally condemned; they are indefensible, irrespective of whether the perpetrators are migrants or the descendants of migrants raised within the nation. Yet, it is crucial to recognise that neither terrorists affiliated with Islam or Christianity have perpetrated atrocities on the scale witnessed from the Zionists over the past seven decades. Furthermore, the expulsion of individuals from their homes occurs with the complicity of the military, as settlers continuously displace people from their lands. We stand firmly against terrorism in all its forms and will persist in our condemnation, including the ongoing genocide orchestrated by Netanyahu’s Zionist operatives.

David stated: “Terrorism is not new. Its aim is political, social, or religious change through fear. Since the 19th century, modern terrorism has grown increasingly sophisticated. Groups such as the Palestinian Fatah have targeted Israeli interests – while al-Qaeda, founded in 1988 by Abdullah Azzam and financed by Osama bin Laden – launched global attacks like 9/11, fueling a US-led war on terror that included invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq”. [end of quote]

Response: Terrorism, indeed, is a phenomenon that has persisted throughout history, and the Ummah of Muhammad is acutely aware of this reality. Various factions, including the Khawaarij and certain Zionist groups, have resorted to instilling fear and terror to fulfill their political and religious aspirations. When reflecting on the 19th century and the evolution of terrorism, it is imperative not to overlook the actions of some Zionist factions and their violent acts since 1948. Regardless of the origins and funding of Al-Qaeda, whether attributed to Bin Laden or others whose nefarious methods are well-documented by Salafi scholars, the invasion of Iraq stands as an unjust act, executed under misleading pretenses. Notably, Netanyahu emerged as a key figure in fabricating narratives that exacerbated the situation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33vOBjMpXTo

David stated: “However, both the United States and European nations underestimated the cultural differences of Muslim immigrants. Many arrived with little interest in integrating into Western society, instead establishing enclaves governed by Islamic religious leaders. In cities such as Malmö, Amsterdam, Berlin, Birmingham, and Brussels, where immigrants exceed 20% of the total population, crime rates have surged, overwhelming local law enforcement”. [end of quote]

Response: This assertion aligns with what we initially described as generalisations, half-truths, and exaggerations. To begin with, cultural differences cannot be deemed a catalyst for criminal behaviour because regardless of a Muslim’s cultural background, it is unequivocally understood that criminality is denounced in both the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Thus, the primary impetus for such behaviour stems from a deficiency in the fear of Allah and a personal indifference towards the welfare of others, both of which are condemned in these sacred texts. Furthermore, the concept of integration is inherently subjective and can be interpreted in various ways. Can one truly claim that an individual who grows a beard, wears trousers above the ankles, or a woman who wears a Jilbaab and a Niqab is uninterested in integration? No rational person would assert this, as these choices reflect personal freedoms and the right to practice one’s faith. Similarly, does abstaining from pork, smoking, consuming alcohol, or engaging in premarital sexual relations signify a lack of integration within Western societies? It is imperative for David to articulate his definition of integration versus non-integration with clarity.

Lastly, David has failed to specify any individuals in the cities he references, such as Birmingham, who have contributed to the notion of enclaves. While it is undeniable that certain areas exhibit cultural diversity, this does not inherently imply a lack of integration. As previously mentioned, specific examples of non-integration must be provided, allowing for a thorough examination of whether these instances are rooted in religious rights, personal choices, or perhaps a misunderstanding on the part of those perceived as resistant to integration. For instance, did the Jewish community not advocate for certain accommodations for their Sabbath in Manchester, and would that be classified as a lack of integration? [Refer to Footnote a]

Was every non-Jew content with the initiative?! Here are some quotes from the Daily Mail regarding what some locals said about the request: [Uproar over plans to create special exemption area for Jewish people in wealthy village marked out by 18ft tall yellow poles – as opponents oppose ‘religious enclave’ By CHRIS POLLARD Published: 13:25, 13 September 2024]

Quotes from the newspaper:

Angry locals have been leafleting households warning of damage to ‘community cohesion’ if the plan – the third of its type in just ten years – gets the go-ahead, saying 8,000 homes would be affected by the ‘religious enclave’.

One local said: ‘It’s nothing to do with the poles and the wire. It’s creating religious division which we don’t need in this area. I would feel the same no matter what religion wanted to create their own little enclave.

‘Be satisfied with the fact that we can have temples and churches and other places of worship for all religions in our area. That should be enough.

‘Keep the rest of the religious doctrine within these places or in your own home. If we allow this eruv then we can’t say no to Muslims wanting speakers on every street corner calling people to prayer – and on it goes.’

A leaflet distributed anonymously across households warned the eruv would ‘threaten the balance of our diverse and secular community, identifying our areas with one religion above others, threatening community cohesion’.

It added: ‘We have enough problems with racism in Britain today. Lets not make matters worse. Stop the Hale Eruv Now.’ [End of quotes]

These were some of the sentiments expressed by the local non-Jewish populace when Jewish leaders sought assistance in enhancing their observance of the Sabbath within their community. Therefore, it is imperative for David to articulate his definition of lack of integration regarding Muslims in Birmingham and beyond, ensuring that each circumstance is assessed with clarity, devoid of conjecture and uncertainty.

David stated: “Clashes between Western values and conservative Islamic norms”. Significant cultural clashes between Western values – freedom of speech, secularism, and gender equality – and conservative Islamic norms exacerbate tensions. Incidents like the publication of caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad heighten cultural divides”. [end of quote]

Response: This topic has been a subject of discourse for many years, and the conversation remains vibrant. It is important to note that this discussion transcends the Muslim community, as the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah provide the only true resolution to the challenges and disputes faced by both humanity and Jinn. Consequently, it is essential for David to articulate each situation and incident with precision, allowing us to delineate the guidance offered by the Qur’an and Sunnah, as elucidated by the esteemed Salafi Scholars. Furthermore, one must possess the discernment to differentiate between cultural practices and Islamic law, as these issues are frequently conflated by both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. In the case of insults directed at the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, such actions have been denounced not only by Muslims but also by others who assert that true freedom of speech does not encompass the slander of others. In this context, Shaikh Abu Iyaad, may Allah safeguard him, has composed a profound response addressing the extremism of the Kharijites and the disdainful secularists who attack and mock the Prophets, especially Prophet Muhammad. Read here: The Nobe, Revered Prophet of Islam Muhammad Between The Kharijite Terrorist Savages and The Confused Conjecting Existentialist, Nihilist Haters: https://ia601704.us.archive.org/0/items/the-prophet-of-islam/the-prophet-of-islam.pdf

David stated: “Antisemitism is on the rise, not only among Muslim migrants but also among native Europeans. Rabbi Menachem Margolin, chairman of the European Jewish Association, notes daily attacks on Jews and lenient punishments for perpetrators. According to Margolin, European Jewry is in its worst state since Kristallnacht. Many Jews now hire bodyguards and hide their identities in public”. [end of quote]

Response: Regarding anti-Semitism, we will refer to this article by Shaikh Abu Iyaad, may Allah protect him. https://abuiyaad.com/sn/muslims-antisemitism

David stated: “The October 7, 2023, attacks and the ongoing war with Hamas, coupled with biased international media coverage, have accelerated anti-Israel sentiment. Violent protests erupt regularly across Europe, bolstering far-Right groups such as France’s National Front and the Netherlands’ Freedom Party. These parties advocate for stricter immigration policies, leveraging fears of terrorism and cultural shifts to gain support.

Governments in Hungary, Poland, and Italy have enacted laws restricting immigration and are building border fences and implementing rigorous asylum criteria.

Some countries have banned face coverings and imposed cultural integration requirements for citizenship. While these measures attract criticism from human rights groups, proponents argue they are necessary to preserve Europe’s social and economic stability”. [end of quote]

Response: When discussing the factors contributing to anti-Israel sentiment, David highlights several key issues. These include the rise of far-right political parties, the implementation of restrictive immigration laws in certain European nations, the prohibition of face coverings, and the push for cultural integration as a requirement for citizenship. The debate surrounding these topics has persisted for many years, all while the ongoing conflict against Palestinians has continued, alongside the recent actions taken by Netanyahu’s army that many view as genocidal. It’s crucial to clarify that we do not dispute the right of any race to exist or support the oppression of individuals. What many are voicing concerns about is the violence perpetrated by Zionists and the harmful rhetoric that has led to genocide. [Refer to footnote b] It’s important to note that not all Jewish individuals support the actions of Netanyahu’s administration, which has faced accusations of violence and oppression against Palestinians—actions that have been described as genocidal over the past year. Additionally, we do not suggest that the writer condones such actions, as there is no evidence to support that claim. Similarly, we denounce any actions by individuals or groups identifying as Muslim—whether in Palestine, the UK, or elsewhere—that harm non-combatants or fellow citizens, irrespective of their faith. We also stand firmly against vigilantism and any form of anti-Semitism.

David stated finally: “Europe stands at a crossroads. Its ability to balance its commitment to democracy and human rights with the need to address terror, crime, and cultural change will determine its future. Without decisive action, the continent risks losing its historical identity. Citizens, frustrated by law enforcement’s delayed response to violence, may eventually take matters into their own hands”. [end of quote]

Response: The ongoing discourse surrounding various political systems and lifestyles has been a persistent engagement for humanity since the deviation from Tawhid during the time of Prophet Nuh. This dialogue often serves to highlight the perceived superiority of different ways of life. The Prophets and Messengers, particularly the most noble among them—Muhammad, Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, and Jesus—were sent to societies that had already entrenched their own practices, whether as idol worshippers or as communities that had altered and misinterpreted the teachings of their respective Prophets. Despite these challenges, these Prophets coexisted peacefully within these societies, extending an invitation to reflect on the fundamental purpose for which both humans and Jinns were created, as Allah said: [وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا نُوحِىٓ إِلَيْهِ أَنَّهُۥ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنَا۠ فَٱعْبُدُونِ – And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad SAW) but We inspired him (saying): La ilaha illa Ana [none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah)], so worship Me (Alone and none else).”] [Al-Anbiya 25]

Allah said: [وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِى كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَّسُولًا أَنِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ ٱلطَّٰغُوتَ – And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities, etc.i. e. do not worship Taghut besides Allah).”] [An-Nahl. 36]

This message did not incite turmoil; rather, the Messengers exemplified justice and exhibited profound concern for their communities, despite enduring mistreatment and facing plots against their lives from adversaries. Consequently, irrespective of the societal context in which a Muslim resides, there exists a divine mandate to engage with non-Muslims equitably, as well as to treat non-Muslims within a Muslim society with kindness. The true transgressors in this regard are the Zionists who perpetrate violence against Palestinians, the kharijites, and misguided individuals among Muslims who inflict harm upon their fellow non-Muslim citizens, alongside the racist elements and far-right extremists. It is, therefore, the solemn responsibility of every individual possessing even a modicum of integrity to denounce and oppose such actions. [Refer to footnote c]

The discourse surrounding human rights has been explored not only through an academic lens but also from the rich and nuanced perspective of Islamic teachings. Read here: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/10/31/an-overview-and-general-examination-of-certain-implications-of-human-rights/

It is imperative that we collectively confront the scourge of crime and the various manifestations of terror that plague our societies, be they Muslim or non-Muslim. This responsibility is particularly pressing for all nations to unite against the injustices of Zionist oppression, anti-Semitism, and racism. While it is natural to feel frustration in the face of wrongdoing, resorting to vigilantism is an unlawful response, irrespective of the nature of the crime. Such actions are equally reprehensible whether perpetrated by Muslims or non-Muslims. Vigilantism has no place in any nation; thus, under no circumstances should one emulate the settlers in the occupied territories of Palestine or the kharijites in the Sahel and Nigeria.

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Footnote a:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-25687756

Footnote b:

https://abuiyaad.com/a/amalekite-genocide-doctrine-gaza
https://abuiyaad.com/a/slaughtering-children-holy-war/print

Footnote c:

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/duviqgl-shaykh-salih-al-fawzan-the-islamic-shariah-provides-security–for-muslims-and-non-muslims-and-those-who-violate-it-are-kh257rijites-who-are-to-be-fought-and-severely-punished.cfm

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/szsumlh-the-foundation-of-muslim-relations-with-non-muslims-who-do-not-show-aggression-and-hostility.cfm

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/nmsdfkp-islam-and-the-muslims-are-free-and-innocent-of-the-kharijite-extremists.cfm

https://abuiyaad.com/a/how-islam-saved-jews