Ed Husain's The Islamist is the shocking inside story of British Islamic fundamentalism told by a former radical ' When I was sixteen I became an Islamic fundamentalist Five years later after much emotional turmoil I rejected fundamentalist teachings & returned to normal life & my family As I recovered my faith & mind I tried to put my experiences behind me but as the events of 77 unfolded it became clear to me that Islamist groups pose a threat to this country that we
- Muslims & 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 I hope to explain the appeal of extremist thought how fanatics penetrate Muslim communities & the truth behind their agenda of subverting the West & moderate Islam Writing candidly about life after extremism I illustrate the depth of the problem that now grips Muslim hearts & minds & lay bare what politicians & Muslim 'community leaders' do not want you to know' 'A complete eye-opener' The Times ' Captivating & terrifyingly honest' Observer ' Persuasive & stimulating' Martin Amis ' Read this articulate & impassioned book' Simon Jenkins Sunday Times Ed Husain was an Islamist radical for five years in his late teens & early twenties Having rejected extremism he travelled widely in the Middle East & worked for the British Council in Syria & Saudi Arabia Husain received wide & various acclaim for The Islamist which was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize for political writing & the PENAckerley Prize for literary autobiography amongst others