I read an interesting article from a British paper last week but Id forgotten about it until this evening when I happened across a very similar item in the New York Times. As the one from England came first, I think Ill link to it Essentially, its about young Muslim men in England who preach about the glory of jihad against the west even as theyre living in the middle of it.
I especially like the British article because it plays up the irony that some of the Muslim men plotting to overthrow the west are on the government dole So, heres the story of one bright Cambridge-educated Muslim accountant who decided to quit working, collect money from the government, and preach hate full-time
Heres how the article starts off:
Four young British Muslims in their twenties – a social worker, an IT specialist, a security guard and a financial adviser – occupy a table at a fast-food chicken restaurant in Luton. Perched on their plastic chairs, wolfing down their dinner, they seem just ordinary young men. Yet out of their mouths pour heated words of revolution.
“As far as I’m concerned, when they bomb London, the bigger the better,” says Abdul Haq, the social worker. “I know it’s going to happen because Sheikh bin Laden said so. Like Bali, like Turkey, like Madrid – I pray for it, I look forward to the day.”
“Pass the brown sauce, brother,” says Abu Malaahim, the IT specialist, devouring his chicken and chips.
And here are some of my favorite passages:
He smiles sheepishly and says the irony is not lost on him that the British state is supporting him financially, even as he plots to “overthrow it”.
But it was the events of 11 September that crystallised Sayful’s worldview. “When I watched those planes go into the Twin Towers, I felt elated,” he says. “That magnificent action split the world into two camps: you were either with Islam and al Qaeda, or with the enemy. I decided to quit my job and commit myself full-time to al-Muhajiroun.” Now he does not consider himself British. “I am a Muslim living in Britain, and I give my allegiance only to Allah”
“Yes,” he replies, unequivocally. “When a bomb attack happens here, I won’t be against it, even if it kills my own children. Islam is clear: Muslims living in lands that are occupied have the right to attack their invaders
Im not sure why Im posting this. Maybe I want to fan the flames of paranoia. Maybe I want you all to think that your Muslim friends from work are off conspiring somewhere, praying for our destruction. Maybe thats how I feel today. Maybe I feel paranoid Im not sure what this article really proves though, other than the fact that there are four stupid young men in London who like to shoot their mouths off. Youll notice that they arent volunteering to blow themselves up. They arent rushing off to Iraq to join the fight against the infidels. Theyre just working, or living off the state, and enjoying their chicken and chips… Theyre real tough guys.
I wonder how you say chickenhawk in Arabic.
