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Islam’s poison cells

Our world view was horribly bipolar. We didn't distinguish on the basis of colour but on creed

FOR almost four years I was on the front line of British Islamism, serving as a regional officer in northeast England for Hizb ut-Tahrir, an extremist group committed to the creation of a puritanical caliphate.

Since leaving the group in 2005, I've been concerned at just how easy it was for me to join a radical Islamist movement and why there was hardly any support available when I decided to leave. Hizb was a large family in many ways, a group offering social support, comradeship, a sense of purpose and validation.

At 21, it was intoxicating for me. I embraced my new Islamist identity and family with eagerness. Islamism transcends cultural norms, so it not only prompted me to reject my British identity but also my ethnic South Asian background. I was neither Eastern nor Western; I was a Muslim, a part of the global ummah, or community, where identity is defined through the fraternity of faith.

Islamists insist this identity is not racist because Islam welcomes people of all colours, ethnicities and backgrounds. That was true, but our world view was still horribly bipolar. We didn't distinguish on the basis of colour but on creed.

The world was simply divided into believers and non-believers. It was a reality that came back to haunt me last month when I realised that Bilal Abdulla and Kafeel Ahmed, the two men linked with the alleged plot to attack London and Glasgow, were among my closest friends when I studied at Cambridge University.

My time in Cambridge was a turning point. I was studying for a doctorate, researching the development of Islamic political thought in late colonial India, which proved to be my saviour. My research caused me to find marked points of rupture in the historical and theological narrative of what the Hizb was having me believe. Previous generations had failed, the Hizb told me, to apply Islam to the reality of a changed and changing world in the early 20th century. What I found could not have been further from this.

Throughout my thesis I was able to survey a wide range of Muslim opinion across the Indian subcontinent, among whom Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was a leading figure. He explained how Islam obliged Muslims to create a harmonious society. He was adept at offering lucid explanations from the texts of the Koran to show a secular state was validated through Islam. Failing to accommodate diversity showed a neglect of the Koran's opening chapter, al-Fatiha, which emphasises tolerance and mercy. Focusing on division rather than common humanity violated God's unity, said Azad, who insisted in The Tarjuman al-Qur'an that "the unity of man is the primary aim of religion".

When independence came in 1947, Azad resisted the creation of Pakistan. Forming an exclusionary political identity in this way was against the essence of Islam.

My findings suffocated me. Far from being emancipated by my discovery, I fell into a spiral of confusion. I had sacrificed all my friends and family for a cause. Had it all been in vain? I felt overwhelmed by feelings of loneliness. And herein lies the problem. There was nowhere for me to turn.

I didn't want to take my concerns to the Hizb because I knew what its response would be. If I weren't bullied back into action, I'd be made to feel guilty for leaving. I knew the protocol. When I embraced Hizb ut-Tahrir and the Islamist way of life there was an established network offering social support and validation. Shedding my old life was easy because I was absorbed by an alternative and more self-assured culture.

By the start of 2005, I was mentally no longer an Islamist. But there was no denying that emotionally I didn't have the courage to leave the Hizb. Then my nightmare was realised. I watched as London came under attack on July 7, 2005, by four British Muslims who claimed 52 innocent lives. This was the cauldron of Islamist hate boiling over.

When I resigned from Hizb ut-Tahrir, the social network that had once so warmly embraced me turned bitterly cold and confrontational. The inward love was replaced by the external hate. At 24, I had to rebuild my life, almost entirely from scratch. Traditionally, it is at university that you forge your most enduring and meaningful friendships. Overnight, mine disappeared.

Then came hope. During recent months I have spoken at length with Ed Husain, author of The Islamist, who was also once in the ranks of the Hizb (and whose book extracts were reprinted in these pages last month). It was the revelation I was waiting for. When I met him, Husain's first words, breaking their way through a beaming smile, were: "It feels like I've known you for years."

Immediately our stories resonated with remarkable familiarity. We had both experienced the same feelings of isolation and desperation before we plucked up the courage to leave. Finally, I was not alone. Like old war veterans we shared stories, discussed what made us leave and what the future held.

Having been a senior member in the Hizb, I know there are scores of others with similar concerns. Some of them have also left and are coming together to form a united front against Islamism. They are not irreligious sell-outs, agents or part of some Judeo-Christian cult committed to the downfall of Islam, as groups such as the Hizb would like to suggest. They are simply former Islamists who have rejected a particular political ideology while remaining committed to their Muslim faith.

The significance of this should not be underestimated. When I first left, I emphasised that the challenges of Islamist extremism could never be overcome until the Muslim community formulated its own response. Since meeting Husain and becoming aware of the emerging network of other former members, many of them also holding a senior rank at one time, I was reassured. An influential figure who is still within the movement but close to leaving recently told me and Husain, "Don't worry, your message is being heard."

The landscape in the Muslim community is changing. Just as the divisive message of political Islam has been spread by young men across Britain, there is a growing number of former activists leading the charge against the ideas that we once helped to promote. I only hope that our testimonies will encourage those still within Islamist movements to find the moral courage to leave.

Shiraz Maher was a British pointman for Hizb ut-Tahrir, an Islamist terrorist group. This is reprinted from The Sunday Times in Britain.


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Michael, I agree with you, I also haven't heard any other religions preaching hate against anyone else... Even though some the Christian religions have done many wonderful things throughout history they have also done some rotten things, however they are not following what the bible says if they hate, kill etc, unlike Islam the Bible of the Christians and their leader "Jesus", preaches to love even your enemies, forgiveness etc and was an example of that. I gather that Buddha and Hindi also preach peace.. Unlike Islam, whose leader raided, tortured, slaughtered, took booty etc, often by night, and as far as I know Islam is the only one which preaches hate, slaughter etc..

Posted by Gaye on 2007-09-29 12:26:47 GMT


One might want to check this guy out as well: http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/Walid_Phares.php

Posted by Brian on 2007-08-23 09:25:06 GMT


Gaye, I'd like to pass these blurbs on thorugh my mail lists to Members of the European Parliament, with your permission. It might be as just as enlightening (amusing) for them to read, as it is for me. Could you forward your e-mail to brian_0007@hotmail.com?

Posted by Brian on 2007-08-23 06:59:10 GMT


Brian. I have come across many more such things as Allah praises illiteracy but it would be to long to put in all of it,, will look it up and include some of it..

Posted by Gaye on 2007-08-23 01:22:42 GMT


Gaye, thanks for your comments. It's enlightening - no, amazing - that you site documentation of the fact that Islam, and indeed 'Allah,' praises illiteracy, loves the illiterate and sets them above the educated. One can only wonder how there are over 215 Jewish recipients of Nobel prises, while we count only 12 Muslims - while there are 99 Muslims to every Jew on the planet. And one can only wonder how gullible must people could be to imbibe propaganda from their clergy, asking them to do and think despicably about all but others equally gullible. Of course, literacy and education is seemingly antithetical to that process.

Posted by Brian. on 2007-08-22 14:42:14 GMT


Brian, that is really good and as women are the main teachers of their children it could very well work, it could help them tremendously.. You said...The renaissance that brought Christian Europe out of the dark ages, and reformed Judaism as well, will occur within Islam. The difference with Islam and Judaism is that there was only the odd place that they went in and killed the inhabitants and generally after they became so sick of seeing the sacrifices of children etc.. it was not part of the Torah to slaughter all non believers.. conversely it is part of Islam to slaughter ALL who will not submit.. The other thing is that Mohammad hated agriculture which surprises me as Mohammad chose the moon god who was the god of agriculture, war and the sword... Allah does not like agriculture; He prefers jihad and plunder… (Sahih Bukhari, 3.39.514) saw some agricultural equipments (sic) and said: "I heard the Prophet saying: "There is no house in which these equipment enters except that Allah will cause humiliation to enter it." Commenting on the above hadith, Dr Muhammad Muhsin Khan, the translator of Sahih Bukhari writes: This Hadith indicates that the profession of cultivation is often of oppressive humiliation especially under the feudal system. Narrated Ibn 'Umar that the Prophet (SA) said, "My livelihood is under the shade of my spear,(1) and he who disobeys my orders will be humiliated by paying Jizya" Footnote:- (1) "Under the shade of my spear" means "from war booty". Muhammad, the messenger of Allah earned his livelihood by plunder; the above hadith is very clear on this. Please note that this hadith has been carefully removed from the Internet version of Sahih Bukhari. Here is another hadith, also from Sahih Bukhari, which says that Allah made Muhammad rich through war and conquest (booty from raid and plunder). Sahih Bukhari tells us that Muhammad was sent as the guardian of the illiterates. Allah loves illiterate people and he hates the educated people. Let us read this hadith. Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 34, Number 335: In fact Allah’s love for illiteracy is so intense that He has promised the first entry to Paradise to the illiterate Muslims and the last entry to the Muslims who are educated. Sunaan Ibn Majah Vol. v, Hadith Number 4290: Ibn ‘Abbas (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him said: We are the last umma to (come) and the first umma who will be reckoned. It will be said, “Where is the unlettered umma and its Prophet? We are the last (umma) and the first (umma) to be reckoned and admitted in the Paradise.

Posted by Gaye on 2007-08-22 13:44:15 GMT


MM You are not a lone voice. There are many of us. How about we all link together?

Posted by Jenny on 2007-08-22 01:04:33 GMT


Thanks for your comments, Gaye. Allow me to clarify the idea: I'm in dialog with a PhD in this field, who works for various EU countries attempting to integrate Muslims into EU urban communities. The economic and social cost of the vast Muslim immigration is very high on the political agenda here, as the price tag for that is the largest single budgetary item for most EU countries. FYI: Having studied the Quran thoroughly, he agrees with you, in no small degree, regarding its dangerous legitimization of violence, killing, and nearly every other asocial and ethical sin in the pursuit of the kalifat. At one point in our discussions he asked me, “What are your suggestions for changing all this? How we do we turn the tide?” My answer, while seemingly simplistic, was exactly this: A globally directed and coordinated campaign of economic and political sanctions to force Arabic and Muslim countries to accept women's rights - regarding every social endeavor - from driving a car, to university tenure. That's no small thing; it's a deep rooted, fundamental revolution, quite obviously. We must insist that 50% of the Muslim world wakes up from it's structural and ideological servitude, throws off it’s ‘shackles of repression,’ and enters the mainstream of society, in every shape and form. Without that, we'll never have anything but pathologically aggressive, pubescent males dominating the resources, power and ideologies by which these societies are governed. The renaissance that brought Christian Europe out of the dark ages, and reformed Judaism as well, will occur within Islam, ipso facto, if this were to occur. The relationships between men and women permeate society as perhaps no other force. We would essentially create a ‘sexual war’ within Islam; a war that would pit ideas against ideas, in a manner no bullet or bomb could. Of course, a male dominated theocracy such as Islam would resist; it would refuse per force - much as the West did regarding female suffrage, and revisions of labor laws. No one gives up power easily. The unfortunate fact is that there is a tremendous resurgence of fundamentalist Islamic women’s groups in Europe, which supports their own servitude, much like the paradoxical “Swedish syndrome,” finds captives defending their captors after a period of time. In my opinion, without the real and actual “female component” entering the ideological equation, and manifesting itself in Islamic minds and societies, we’ll never counter the dangerous and dogmatic indoctrinations that Dr. Sultan fears exists in the heart of every Muslim. I believe that by altering a man's understanding and perception of a woman, we alter his perception of his fellow man, his universe, and even, his perception of his deity. This is, I believe, the forbidden fruit of the Islamic world.

Posted by Brian on 2007-08-21 12:14:37 GMT


Brian says...Women must be encouraged to enter all aspects of social and political life - with the ability to education themselves. Brian, in most Muslim countries women are not allowed to be educated, good gracious Brian they might wake up to their oppression.. Muslim leaders are why their women are like they are, and if there was any hope for their religion we would see most of their leaders, clerics and imams protesting and fighting what terrorists are doing in the name of Allah, but there is no outrage from anyone at all, sorry there was one, which proved to be only to make it look good for them. Brian I love you last paragraph, it is fantastic, I am going to keep that.. armies in womens bellies that is just so true and so good. Their men wont let them enter society Brian, they want total control over their women..we saw a glimpse of it a while ago, and the leaders changed and back to the dark ages for the women, as the quran says they should be...

Posted by Gaye on 2007-08-21 09:24:44 GMT


Thanks Brian.. The Washington Times: Joint Chiefs of Staff planners have produced a 27-page briefing on the war on terror that seeks to explain how to win the "long war" and says Islamic extremists may be supported by 12 million Muslims worldwide. But the figure is thought to be more in the vicinity of 10 to 30% Brian, Muslim leaders are only following what the Quran tells them to do, if they don't follow that then there is no Islam, this is the whole essence of Islam!!!! That would be like telling Christians that there was no Jesus, if you do away with Jesus, then there is no New Testament..that is the whole essence for the Christian faith as is making the whole world for Allah is for Muslims, and if non Muslims don't submit they are to be slaughtered!!!! simple... I don't feel that Dr Saltan is over exaggerating her case at all, as I have read much from different ex Muslims and others, plus much of the Quran and others of their holy books.. Jihad watch is also a good reference bog.. Out of 22 major conflicts in the world today, 20 of them are Muslims and someone else.

Posted by Gaye on 2007-08-21 09:16:37 GMT


Gaye, Michael, et al.: Thanks for your comments. See http://www.thereligionofpeace.com and attacks perpetrated in 1H2007. Re MP's: they get a lot of mail. I send links, short excerpts. and good captions to get their attention. Keep at it. Practice makes perfect. Dr. Sultan's article reminds me a bit of a movie, where under cover operatives are hypnotized, sent to the free world. They receive a phone call years later, with a coded message. They immediately begin their mission of death and destruction, fulfilling our greatest nightmare. I'm not sure if I fully agree with her, but I do believe that amongst every 100 people there are 4-5 very, very smart persons. Amongst every 1000 people there is an actual genius. If those 1000 people were to organize, on the basis of the 40-50 individuals capable of leading with tremendous motivation, and without fear of death, with a threatening ideological plan, this is frightening. Divide the 1.3 billion members of the Islamic world with this factor, and look forward in time. This is why I believe there is sufficient basis to be very, very concerned. The Nazi's were pretty much contained in Germany. Whether Dr. Sultan is over exaggerating the case, I cannot say. Only time will tell. I personally believe that we need to confront Muslim leaders, the greater Islamic community, Arabic nations, and our own political and legislative representatives with their responsibility, in the face of this threat to democracy and freedom. But finally, I don't see any plan offered better than a fairly simple and straight forward one: one in which every Western government insists on full freedoms given to women in these Muslim lead countries. Women must be encouraged to enter all aspects of social and political life - with the ability to education themselves, and professionalize. Without their component of compassion and sensitivity entering decision making and social direction on all levels, we go no where. Half the women in the Islamic world are essentially kept out of it. The better half of their population and talent, and more than half of their common sense. Sound simplistic? I think not. It shouldn't surprise anyone that nations dominated by ideologies born out of psycho-sexual repression, violence, sociopathic world views, and driven by envy, and spite are anchored in deep ontological insecurities. They will always have very warped views of the world. Brutality and dogma will have to govern. It was the case in medieval Europe, and it's the case in Saudi Arabia, Iran, etc. etc. Nothing will change until the world insists that women enter the equation in the Islamic world - not as suicide bombers, or participants in their own structural repression, but as the component those societies need, and that ideology lacks. Islam has omitted the touch of mother's love and wisdom. Compound that through 1400 years, add a billion impoverished people, give their clergy and royalty control, place oil resources at their feet, hate propaganda in their schools, and armies in their women’s bellies, and you have what we have today. It doesn't take a genius to know that.

Posted by Brian on 2007-08-21 08:20:36 GMT


Brian, Thanks so much..Do you send full articles at all??? Yes I put emails to send a report, which comes back as saying "read on ???"... but have discovered that it still doesn't mean that they have actually read it... send one to yourself and see how easy it is to delete without reading... and yes I have sent reports from Jihad watch and from thereligionofpeace... My next aim is to compile how many countries are left wing and how many are right winged.. At the moment I know that NZ, Canada, Britain, and I think France, Belgium are left, with Possibly Australia and America following... One has to wonder how all the states in Australia are still labor, and if the vote rigging is happening in all the states.. Hawk said at a fabian dinner, (I think it was Hawk) that when we strike we must strike hard and fast, so having a left wing in all states and federally is scary... no balance then..

Posted by Gaye on 2007-08-20 13:06:21 GMT


Brian where can I get hold of the weekly Jihad reports?

Posted by Michael on 2007-08-20 08:24:08 GMT


Gaye, I have lists of every Member of the European Parliament and every member of the Danish Parliament (Folketinget). I don't forward things that often; when I do they are concise and to the point. My reader rates have gone up from the start to what is now 30% at times (I set my mail to give me a report, so I can see who deletes without reading, and who reads before deleting). Don't be discouraged or impatient. Changing one's mind takes time. I suggest a Quran except a week, say on Mondays, and sending the "Weekly Jihad Report" on Fridays (these are statistics of 'Jihad Attacks' made in the name of Islam, and compliled weekly since 9/11; they include 'Injured' and 'Dead Bodies.' Your mails will speak volumes. Keep it short. Don't underestimate the power of information. Any fool can see the light, and the blind can hear better than we imagine.

Posted by Brian on 2007-08-20 08:11:50 GMT


ok, they didn't come through, but JerusalemOnline daily updates has these two horrific videos, and we are all in line for this, Jews first then us..

Posted by Gaye on 2007-08-20 05:41:04 GMT


2 powerful presentations – the threat of radical Islam: I hope that these come through. The Islamic Mein Kampf Click to watch the presentation Click to watch the presentation

Posted by Gaye on 2007-08-20 05:38:38 GMT


A major problem exists with language, where we all use the same terms, but actually mean very different things by them. When we use the term "peace" we mean coexistence, tolerance, and an absence of war. Moslems, too, mean an absence of war, but because everybody has been converted to Islam, and the areas under Islam are called "Dhar el Islam", the dwelling of Islam, or, alternatively, "the dwelling of peace" which is where the seemingly strange "religion of peace" comes from. For real communication we need to understand what people actually mean, rather than believing that we understand the words they use. Otherwise it can be as dangerous as the last line of "Silence of the Lambs" where Hannibal Lextor says "I'm having a friend over for dinner" ... we need to make sure that we understand so that we are not "the dinner". These are the things the media should be conveying to us, rather than their politically correct and dangerous refusal to challenge an established religion for fear of being labelled intolerant.

Posted by Morry on 2007-08-20 05:12:09 GMT


Jenny, I think that it is toooo late to wake people up... Our governments have lied to us for so long now telling us that Islam is a peaceful religion etc, that these people now have a massive foot hold in their lands of adoption. People want to believe the lies that they are being told about Islam. We are a basically peaceful people because although many people today are not Christians we have had this love one another teaching now for 2000 years, and cant conceive of the way that Muslims think... Islam is NOT a religion of peace, you cannot be a Muslim and be moderate, they are just Muslims in waiting. The teaching of Islam is that when the time is right they are to make the world for Allah, and if we don't submit then we are to be slaughtered or pay the tax.. But I still my best to try to teach people what is in the last three quarters of the Quran and others of their books... If people read what Mohammad did they would be horrified, he was a very evil man, he raided on a regular basis, he tortured, raped, slaughtered, he said that it was unfitting for a prophet to take captives until he had made a great slaughter in the land.. Sure sounds like a wonderful man to me eh.. like....and they follow the example of this man even today...Please people read their books for the sake of your grandchildren..

Posted by Gaye on 2007-08-20 04:53:11 GMT


Let me try to clarify myself to date. 1. Debating the things we find in the Koran with Moslems is counterproductive ... we will inevitably have stonings from the Bible brought up and then it's a non-productive tit-for-tat. However, we need to understand what Moslems and Islam are about, that it is a religion that sees the world as two camps (dwellings), one of Islam the other of war, which will continue to be at war until it moves into the dwelling of Islam. 2. The way to fight it is by being as passionate about our culture as they are about theirs, and by continuing to demand that they deal with their zealots and attitudes. It was in exactly this way that Sheik Hilaly was finally moved on. My main point is that we cannot simply sit back and say "this a a Moslem problem for the Moslems to deal with" we need to make Australia a hostile environment for any idea of taking over Australia. Like any business that makes itself economically stronger to ward off a hostile takeover, we need to make Australia culturally strong enough to be entirely hostile to any idea of cultural takeover. We need people to be very proudly Australian, and to have no interest in conversion to the ideas of Islam (I'm talking about support of the ideas as much as actual religious conversion). When Moslems (or anybody)ask for separate bathrooms, we need Australia to universally say "Wrong, that is unAustralian!". My entire arguments have hinged around, not so much a weakening of Islam, but a strengthening of Australia. All of this discussion is separate from our battle against terrorism.

Posted by Morry on 2007-08-19 01:51:16 GMT


Attention: Our comments HAVE MOVED to the BOTTOM of our article today. If you prefer it the other way - comments along the side - send an email to ralph (at) doublez dort com dort au

Posted by Ralph Zwier on 2007-08-18 23:55:06 GMT


Jenny, most races do become Australian, but Islam is here to make Australia Islam.. or in Britain to make Britain for Islam, America for Islam etc.. Please, Please read the quran and other Muslim books for yourself, it will help you to understand, start about a quarter of the way through.. You would have seen what other cults can do for their leader, and this is no different they adore their leader, Allah told them through Mohammad that they were to follow Mohammad..They treck back to Mecca because they love Mohammad etc. See from what I have written below from their books what Mohammad did, (and you can check these verses up on the net for yourself), so why would they do any less. They are to get rid of the evil (non Muslims) they are to slaughter all the evil ones if they will not submit... I can understand that, I hate the evil that I see all around us but I will not kill for it..This is their faithfulness to Allah and if they die they go to paradise with virgins, male or female what ever is their desire...

Posted by Gaye on 2007-08-18 14:48:01 GMT


BB, I have already done that, but the left are simply not interested and many in the right know...I been asked for these already.. Unfortunately as people themselves wont read the Muslim holy books they just think that you are muslimphobic.. My moto is that if you see a train coming and you don't warn those standing on the lines, then you are no better than the killers... Unfotunately the first quarters of the Quran is really lovely and as Mohammads first beloved very rich wife was a nun, small parts of the Quran is from the Bible..

Posted by Gaye on 2007-08-18 14:37:15 GMT


Hi Jenny, I thought that was clear from my comment. We, as a society have to stick by our culture and fight for it as fiercely as they fight for theirs. We should not be providing separate bathrooms to Moslems in universities, we should be insisting that there is no separation, that their obligation is to integrate into our society and that we will settle for no less. There is a priciple in Islam called "Hegira" ... it is when it becomes clear that you cannot achieve your aim to take over, you "withdraw". That is the state that existed three decades ago, that is the state we need to induce today, by making it clear that culturally, publicly, and in every other way, we will cater to only one way of life, and that is tolerant, Christian, Australian ... and we will do that unchangingly. I hope, Jenny, that this answers your question.

Posted by Morry on 2007-08-18 04:34:04 GMT


Great article by Shiraz Maher, but in contemplating the battle against Islamism it is less about the Koran per se, and more about the sense of identity, of belonging, and of camaraderie that he describes. These are the things that appeal to the young who find themselves devoid of any real sense of identity. If we are to fight Islamism the Koran, even with its stories of glory and conquest, is secondary to the need to provide the Muslim population in our midst with a sense of belonging and a sense of identity ... and this is exactly where multiculturalism has failed us. The message for a young Moslem is "we have nothing to offer you, for we ourselves seek our identity in the cultures of others, you should do the same". When he compares that to the embrace of a culture filled with determination, with values (no matter how warped), and with a view to changing the world, it certainly explains a lot, as well as the numbers of young flocking to convert to Islam. To win this battle we must, first and foremost, take pride in being Australian, begin stressing the wonders of being Australian, and begin accepting people wholeheartedly into the family of Australia. We should warmly accept the people who come to join this enterprise, but reject those who may well despise us, because their only motivation is to either benefit economically from being amongst us, or, more insiduously, are trying to change us. In brief, change is not "up to the Moslems" ... our attitudes need to change big time as well.

Posted by Morry on 2007-08-18 00:14:27 GMT


Gaye, we all assume that major religions are based on "scriptures" which are life affirming. That in combination with the ddemocratic principal of freedom of belief, makes attacking "religious" principals such a difficult issue. You should assemble a list of mail addresses for MP's in Australia. Your apparent in depth knowledge of the Quran must be shared with them to help them gain a better understanding of the theological basis upon which Muslims extremists find justification. It's a tremendous mistake for us to avoid addressing ideological issues that seem cloaked in religion, and therefore seem off limits. Like any ideology with a manifest of violence, we need to address the root causes, exposing them, and I belive you want to do that. Address those who make the laws and legislation! Don't let them hide from that which Islamists base their misbegotten beliefs upon!

Posted by BB on 2007-08-17 17:37:54 GMT


And here is just a few more... Ishaq:285 “Then the Apostle went raiding in the month of Rabi u’l-Awwal making for the Quraysh. Then he raided the Quraysh by way of Dinar.” Bukhari:V5B59N569 “I fought in seven Ghazwat battles along with the Prophet and fought in nine Maghazi raids in armies dispatched by the Prophet.” Bukhari:V5B59N401 “Allah’s Wrath became severe on anyone the Prophet killed in Allah’s Cause.” Ishaq:315 “It was so criminal, men could hardly imagine it. Muhammad was ennobled because of the bloody fighting. I swear we shall never lack soldiers, nor army leaders. Driving before us infidels until we subdue them with a halter above their noses and a branding iron. We will drive them to the ends of the earth. We will pursue them on horse and on foot. We will never deviate from fighting in our cause. We will bring upon the infidels the fate of the Ad and Jurhum. Any people that disobey Muhammad will pay for it. If you do not surrender to Islam, then you will live to regret it. You will be shamed in Hell, forced to wear a garment of molten pitch forever!” Ishaq:308 “Muhammad halted on a sandhill and divided the booty Allah had given him. They congratulated him on the victory Allah had granted. But one of the warriors replied, ‘What are you congratulating us about? We only met some bald old women like the sacrificial camels who are hobbled, and we slaughtered them!’ The Apostle smiled because he knew that description fit .” ................................................................................. Fighting Qur’an 9:5 “Fight and kill the disbelievers wherever you find them, take them captive, harass them, lie in wait and ambush them using every stratagem of war.” Qur’an 9:29 “Fight those who do not believe until they all surrender, paying the protective tax in submission.” Qur’an 8:39 “Fight them until all opposition ends and all submit to Allah.” Qur’an 8:39 “So fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief [non-Muslims]) and all submit to the religion of Allah alone (in the whole world).” Ishaq:576 “Allah and His servant overwhelmed every coward. Allah honored us and made our religion victorious. We were glorified and destroyed them all. Allah humiliated them in the worship of Satan. By what our Apostle recites from the Book and by our swift horses, I liked the punishment the infidels received. Killing them was sweeter than drink. We galloped among them panting for the spoil. With our loud-voiced army, the Apostle’s squadron advanced into the fray.” Ishaq:293/Tabari VII:30 “The prophet marched forward and spent the night near Badr with his Companions. While the Prophet was standing in prayer [asking Allah to help him steal] Ishaq:324 “He said, ‘Fight them so that there is no more rebellion, and religion, all of it, is for Allah only. Allah must have no rivals.’” Muslim:C9B1N31 “I have been commanded to fight against people till they testify to the fact that there is no god but Allah, and believe in me (that) I am the Messenger and in all that I have brought.” Tabari VI:138 “Those present at the oath of Aqabah had sworn an allegiance to Muhammad. It was a pledge of war against all men. Allah had permitted fighting.” Ishaq:588 “When the Apostle descends on your land none of your people will be left when he leaves.” Ishaq:578 “Crushing the heads of the infidels and splitting their skulls with sharp swords, we continually thrust and cut at the enemy. Blood gushed from their deep wounds as the battle wore them down. We conquered bearing the Prophet’s fluttering war banner. Our cavalry was submerged in rising dust, and our spears quivered, but by us the Prophet gained victory.” Tabari IX:22 “The Prophet continued to besiege the town, fighting them bitterly.” Qur’an 8:39 “So, fight them till all opposition ends and the only religion is Islam.” Qur’an 8:59 “The infidels should not think that they can get away from us. Prepare against them whatever arms and weaponry you can muster so that you may terrorize them. They are your enemy and Allah’s enemy.” Ishaq:322 “Allah said, ‘Do not turn away from Muhammad when he is speaking to you. Do not contradict his orders. And do not be a hypocrite, one who pretends to be obedient to him and then disobeys him. Those who do so will receive My vengeance. You must respond to the Apostle when he summons you to war.” Ishaq:586 “Red blood flowed because of our rage.” Ishaq:587 “Ka’b reacted to the Apostle’s decision. He said, ‘We put an end to doubt at Khaybar. If our swords could have spoken, their blades would have said, “Give us Daus or Thaqif. We will tear off the roofs in Wajj. We will make homes desolate. Our cavalry will come upon you leaving behind a tangled mass. When we assault a town they sound a cry of alarm but our sharp cutting swords flash like lightning. By them we bring death to those who struggle against us. Flowing blood was mingled with saffron the morn the forces met. They were taken by surprise and we surrounded their walls with our troops. Our leader, the Prophet, was firm, steadfast, and full of wisdom. He was not frivolous nor light minded. We obey our Prophet and we obey a Lord who is Compassionate [Ar-Rahman]. We make you partners in peace and war. If you refuse we will fight you doggedly.””” Ishaq:322 “I will cast terror into the hearts of those who reject Me. So strike off their heads and cut off their fingers. All who oppose Me and My Prophet shall be punished severely.” Qur’an 47:4 “So, when you clash with the unbelieving Infidels in battle (fighting Jihad in Allah’s Cause), smite their necks until you overpower them, killing and wounding many of them. At length, when you have thoroughly subdued them, bind them firmly, making (them) captives. Thereafter either generosity or ransom (them based upon what benefits Islam) until the war lays down its burdens. Thus are you commanded by Allah to continue carrying out Jihad against the unbelieving infidels until they submit to Islam.”

Posted by Gaye on 2007-08-17 13:46:16 GMT


For some time now I have been trying to wake people up to what is in the Muslim holy books but we have leaders and people telling non Muslims that Islam is a religion of peace and that most Muslims are peaceful which is a total straight out lie.. lying to our people will get us killed...do our leaders really think that with their holy, beloved leader Mohammad doing and ordering this (as these verses below show,) that it will stop or change, of course not. So why with all this teaching do our leaders think that muslims will change.. Muslims cannot be peaceful they follow their leader who they idolise and they do what their god says, and if our leaders dont start telling the people what is acturally in the quran, this below is what we and our children are in for .... here is a small sample of what Allah (in other words Mohammad) says.. Mohammad lead hundreds of raids slaughtering and taking booty.. A few passages of Mohammads raids.. Qur’an 8:67 “It is not fitting for any prophet to have prisoners until he has made a great slaughtered in the land.” Qur’an 8:7 “Allah wished to confirm the truth by His words: ‘Wipe the infidels out to the last.’” Ishaq:208 “When Allah gave permission to his Apostle to fight, the second Aqaba contained conditions involving war which were not in the first act of submission. Now we bound themselves to war against all mankind for Allah and His Apostle. He promised us a reward in Paradise for faithful service. We pledged ourselves to war in complete obedience to Muhammad no matter how evil the circumstances.” Ishaq:204 “‘Men, do you know what you are pledging yourselves to in swearing allegiance to this man?’ ‘Yes. In swearing allegiance to him we are pledging to wage war against ALL mankind.’” Ishaq:471 “We are steadfast trusting Him. We have a Prophet by whom we will conquer all men.” Qur’an 8:12 “I shall terrorize the infidels. So wound their bodies and incapacitate them because they oppose Allah and His Apostle.” Ishaq:588 “When the Apostle descends on your land none of your people will be left when he leaves.” Ishaq:327 “Allah said, ‘A prophet must slaughter before collecting captives. A slaughtered enemy is driven from the land. Muhammad, you craved the desires of this world, its goods and the ransom captives would bring. But Allah desires killing them to manifest the religion.’” Qur’an 33:26 “Allah made the Jews leave their homes by terrorizing them so that you killed some and made many captive. And He made you inherit their lands, their homes, and their wealth. He gave you a country you had not traversed before.” Qur’an 59:2 “It was Allah who drove the [Jewish] People of the Book from their homes and into exile. They refused to believe and imagined that their strongholds would protect them against Allah. But Allah came at them from where they did not suspect, and filled their hearts with terror. Their homes were destroyed. So learn a lesson, O men who have eyes. This is My warning…they shall taste the torment of Fire.” Tabari IX:122 “Muhammad sent Uyaynah to raid The Banu Anbar. They killed some people and took others captive. Asma was one of the women taken prisoner.” Tabari IX:69 “He who believes in Allah and His Messenger has protected his life and possessions from us. As for those who disbelieve, we will fight them forever in the Cause of Allah. Killing them is a small matter to us.” Bukhari:V5B59N516 “When Allah’s Apostle fought or raided people we raised our voices saying, ‘Allahu-Akbar! Allahu-Akbar! None has the right to be worshipped but Allah.’”

Posted by Gaye on 2007-08-17 13:44:17 GMT


As I see it there are three faces of Islam. The "Militant" face is obvious The "Moderate" face is also The "Masked" face may be a "militant" in disquize as a "moderate" or is a "moderate" in fear of a Militant. And unfortunately the response of some masked muslims to true moderate muslims suggests they too are militant. This article appears to be another illustration of this thesis.

Posted by BWJ on 2007-08-17 12:02:04 GMT


I salute and welcome Shariz Maher back to the living! In rejoining the greater global community, he recognizes that most people have another opinion about life, and how it should be lived. Most people in fact, have quite a unique view of the world, as no one shares one’s unique experiences, or unique gifts and personality - no matter how much we think we agree. What's key - despite our needs to associate and identify - is tolerating other views, and validating that which is contrarian to us, as long as it’s non-violent and in the pursuit peace. That’s a cornerstone of communication, and a successful community. The fact that young people seek answers and associations that address their natural insecurities, is what extremists prey upon. By offering "collectivity and strength" their ideologies seduce youngsters to just about anything. Nazi's, islamists, the "Red Guard's" of the 70's – are types of sociopathic ideologies with similar successes. Even very intelligent youngsters become seduced into cults of thugs, wanting to share a collective vision, even to the point of believing that which is antithetical to life itself, and common sense. They’ll lie, maim, kill, steal, and commit any crime against humanity in a classic “us verses them” syndrome, as these crimes all seem legitimated by the ideological concerns they share. It’s a bit like drug addicts, who in their squalid demise, share a needle, and feel a sense of momentary bliss. Obviously, at some point, even the most gung-ho kid, or the most avid ideological Islamic soldier has to ask, "what am I doing, and why?" If nothing else, when he recognizes that he may have maimed or killed an unknown mother's child, a passing innocent, he will ask, "what have I become?" The roads to revelation are many. Shariz is an intellectual, who found a conflict between the hateful revisionist dogma he was told, and what he discovered in historical research. He reports of many others who have begun to question whether the madness of Islamic extremism is justified. I'm quite certain that many nazi's were well intentioned, as well. Hypnotists have made people think they were ducks, and walk about on stage for TV cameras. But nazi’s were conspiring thugs, and islamists are misdirected psychopaths with an convincing ideology. I can only hope that Shariz continues to publish, and finds support and protection amongst his new friends and associations. I hope he won't yield to intimidations, and threats. He has to tell his story, like kids who have been captured by “Moonies,” or any strange and perverted cult. Islamists kill. They worship death, allowing them to justify any crime or act of hatred. And their reward is the ability to abuse "72 virgins in paradise." Shiraz has a new mission. Shiraz has rejoined the living, and for that I say, "Welcome Home!"

Posted by BB on 2007-08-15 16:39:33 GMT


I don't know if Fred and Steve are serious about islamism being a cult whose members can be freed by counselling or inoculated against joining. Their societies and politico-religiousity is the cult. The whole rotten edifice must be changed and it will not be done by pretty words and psychobabble incomprehensible to them, particularly as long as we allow their shock troops to win against us without cost to their societies and economies. The time to speak plainly and to act forcefully is well past.

Posted by paul2 on 2007-08-15 13:30:23 GMT


michael you are dead right, it is a religion of war.. And cassandra, that is so true that is why I wrote below what I did.. The world has to wake up that Muslims can lie to us for the cause of Allah, and in times of war, which they are at war with us every minute of the day simply because we are the hated infidels, they can lie on the bible, and to their wives etc as long as they do not believe it in their hearts, in other words they can lie at the drop of a hat if it suites them... The can even be friends as long as it is to fool us and for the cause of allah..

Posted by Gaye on 2007-08-15 07:46:14 GMT


Grigg and Steve, I have read that many thousands of Muslims are coming out of Islam, and I personally know of who who is in hiding, but do you guys know of many??? I find it hard to believe that there are many, as they are killed if they leave Islam///

Posted by Gaye on 2007-08-15 07:39:17 GMT


!Islam is not a religion but a Political philosophy with a doctrine like communism...when have Jews ever heard a Rabbi in a Synagogue talk about politics, incite hatred towards any other religion or people, the closest politics comes into a synagogue is when the rabbi may ask for a prayer for the state of Israel, the welfare of the IDF and welfare of the Queen and our country. No matter how many Jews are killed worldwide by Muslims no matter how many million of dollars Jews must spend each year to protect them selves from extremist Muslims I have yet to hear of any Rabbi in an Australian Synagogue curse Muslims or Islam. I'm sure it is similar in any Catholic or Christian Church I have never heard of their religious figures preaching hatred towards Muslims or any other religions. Its time the left woke up and came to the same conclusion!

Posted by michael on 2007-08-14 23:59:28 GMT


Steve Hassan, I agree that it is a cult, that was obvious from the beginning, if they leave they are killed and if you don't join you are killed.. But I don't agree with you when you say that extremist Islamic cults follow the same pattern... The teaching of Islam means the whole of Islam is one massive extremist cult. being a Muslim means that you have to be an extremist, the Quran orders it.. all you have to do is read their holy books to see that.. Kill all infidel if they will not submit.... OH but they are nice, they have to terrorise first, then offer an invitation and if the infidel still refuse they are to slaughter all... That sure sounds extreme to me, and it is straight out pure Islam..read the last three quarters of the Quran and others of their holy books.

Posted by Gaye on 2007-08-14 23:25:49 GMT


IF true, I am thrilled to see something like this.. However, after having read much of the Quran and other Muslim holy books I cannot see how anyone can be moderate and Muslim at the same time.. The same verses are still there, the aim of Mohammad their leader who they reverence over anything else is still there, The examples of what Mohammad did for his religion are still there, and whilst you have a leader like Mohammad who raided, plundered, raped, slaughtered, and took over vast areas of land, I see no hope for a peaceful religion in Islam. We the Infidel are always counted as the enemy to Muslims, even when there is no fighting. Infidels are NOT counted as the innocent by Muslims. They have shown what their religion is really about for 1400 years now. When the time is right I can see no other course for Islam but to slaughter all who will not submit, Just as the Quran says to do.. and yes there are many wonderful verses, most taken from the bible and other religions, but they are over shadowed in the last three quarters of the Quran by the hatred for the non Muslim whom all Muslims are forced to slaughter when they are called. Remember that, as long as Muslims don't mean it in their hearts they are allowed to lie to non Muslims to further the course of Allah/Mohammod

Posted by Gaye on 2007-08-14 12:44:35 GMT


Thanks - Pleased that this was in UK Times

Posted by Ivor Lunzer on 2007-08-14 08:45:30 GMT


While it is true that there is a cult element in the various manifestations of Hizbs and siblinghoods, the facts are that they are far too large, too numerous and too tolerated by the Muslim world to be regarded as mere cults. The few score progressive, courageous and intelligent Muslims in 1.6 billions are insignificant. The West must lean on Muslim nations and immigrant groups to discourage their use of religion to sanction aggression.

Posted by paul2 on 2007-08-14 07:27:07 GMT


This article can only bring hope:to all of us who are appalled by Islamist ideology;and to those who are in its grip and want and need to leave it.Fortunately a democracy permits their voices to be heard! A Sharia state won't permit this!

Posted by Fiona on 2007-08-14 06:33:58 GMT


'Why isn't it surprising these type of articles don't appear in al'age ,I guess they would never pass al' age censorship by their staff writers like Palestinian activist maher Mhugrabi or leader of Islamic council of Victoria's Waleed Aly or Michael Leunig or Ed 'Loughlin or the big Boss {the one who said whilst he was Editor of the Scottish Times "'Israel deserved the suicide bombings"

Posted by Michael on 2007-08-14 05:56:16 GMT


Congrats to "The Australian" for running this piece

Posted by RZ on 2007-08-14 02:05:04 GMT


I applaud Shiraz Maher's courage to leave the cult and to speak out publicly about her experiences. I fervently hope she is correct in her assessment about a growing trend within Islam against these murderous groups who wish to forcibly impose their version of Islam on the world. Islam can only be reformed from within with the support and encouragement of the rest of the world.

Posted by franita on 2007-08-14 01:51:28 GMT


It is great to get this information and gain more insight and less fear. Thanks Norma

Posted on 2007-08-14 01:26:06 GMT