UK: Islamic preacher challenges extremist agendas

UK: Islamic preacher challenges extremist agendas


A WORLD-renowned Islamic preacher has visited East Lancashire in a bid to 'challenge extremist agendas'.


Shaykh Hisham Kabbani, who has advised two previous United States governments on issues regarding Islam, religious tolerance and terrorism, said there was a 'real issue of young people being influenced by extremists' in this area.



He visited a spiritual centre in Pringle Street, Blackburn, as part of a whistle-stop 10-day tour of England which also includes a trip to Burnley and Nelson on Friday.



Shaykh Hisham, who is based in the USA but was born in Beruit, said East Lancashire was vulnerable to extremists looking to infiltrate mosques.



Hundreds of people turned out to the event on Sunday at the Naqshbandiyya Mujaddidiyya Aslamiyya mosque.



He said he chose East Lancashire as part of his tour because of its high level of ethnic diversity and worries over extremism.


Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph yesterday he said that preaching moderation was important because there was a 'real concern' that extremists were targeting mosques.


He said: “There are too many violent ideas and anti-Western thoughts being spread to young people in communities in Lancashire.



“There is a radical minority but they must be shunned and ignored. The real Islam isn’t bombing and terror but we must discuss the problems so we can avoid them.”



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Source: Lancashire Telegraph

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