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In this timely and courageous book, Khan shows how previously antagonistic groups of fundamentalist Muslims have joined forces, creating pressures that British society has never before encountered. What is more, identity politics and the attitudes of both the far Right and ultra-Left have combined to give the Islamists ever-increasing power to spread their message.
Unafraid to tackle some of the pressing issues of our time, Sara Khan addresses the question of how to break the cycle of extremism without alienating British Muslims. She calls for all Britons to reject divisive ideologies and introduces us to those individuals who are striving to build a safer future.
“Sara Khan is a fearless and principled voice in the struggle for the soul of Islam. Everyone who cares about combatting prejudice should read her, befriend her and fight alongside her.” Nick Cohen, Observer
“An important book from a tireless campaigner” Mishal Husain, BBC
“A fascinating book [by] one of the UK’s most influential counter-extremism voices” Dermot Murnaghan, Sky News
“Deserves a wide audience” Mail on Sunday
“An important book full of compelling, disturbing and inspirational material ... required reading to understand what is happening in our midst and what we can do about it.” Sunday Times
“Impressive … deftly examines the roots and growth of Muslim extremism in the UK and would have been invaluable for that alone. But it stands for something more. It is a powerful cri de coeur. British society, Khan urges, must stand with reforming Muslims otherwise ‘extremists are the ones who will be left to define British Islam’.” Times Literary Supplement
“Sara knows that the challenge to the perceived subjugation of Muslim women can only come from a Muslim woman and she is not afraid to put herself on the line.” Vogue
“Essential reading for feminists and those on the Left.” Morning Star
“Thoughtful and detailed … the perfect introduction to those who engage with British Islam, extremist or not, and who want a roadmap. A must read … This is a courageous book which gives the reader the tools to identify competing voices for the British Muslim identity.” Crest
“Fascinating … presents a chilling account of the Islamist 'utopia', alongside accounts of this nightmarish vision in practice from the now-shrinking dominion of the Islamic State.” National Secular Society
“Authoritative … an invaluable resource for anyone trying to get to grips with the complex and shifting relationships shaping British Islam today.” Conatus News
“A wake-up call … Those who care about building and maintaining a peaceful, plural society should read her book, and be prepared to fight alongside her.” New Humanist
A Note on Terms 11
Introduction 15
1. Race to your Caliphate: The Rise of Islamist Extremism 25
2. British Salafists and Islamists: The Growing Convergence 51
3. The Islamist-Led Assault on Prevent 87
4. Identity Politics: Islamism and the Ultra Left, the Far Right and Feminists 119
5. Voices from the Frontline 151
Conclusion: Winning the Battle against Extremism 175
A bout the Authors 197
Notes 199
Bibliography 235
Index 243