My Brother the Islamist

My Brother The Islamist: Dealing with the shock and hurt
Post categories: Documentaries, My Brother The Islamist

Robb Leech | 10:21 UK time, Monday, 4 April 2011

I first found out that Richard, my step brother, had become an Islamist in a newspaper article. My initial reaction was one of disbelief - it had to be someone else, or a mistake...but it wasn't. Rich was the newest recruit of a man dubbed by the media the most dangerous man in Britain, Anjem Choudary.



Robb Leech and his brother Rich, now known as Salahuddin in My Brother The Islamist
In some respects the decision to make a film, My Brother The Islamist, was an easy one; I was an aspiring filmmaker and before my eyes was an incredibly topical, fascinating and unique story that I felt a responsibility to tell. But on a personal level, it was much more difficult. It was one thing telling a story, but to be deeply involved with the very emotional core of that story... I knew it would be a fine balance between the role of filmmaker and the reality of being part of a family so profoundly affected.

Luckily, the family were supportive. None of us knew anything about these sinister jihadists who Rich now regarded as brothers, or what they believed in, or even what Rich was like, now he had changed his name to Salahuddin and was calling for Sharia law across the UK. I wanted to get to the bottom of things and although the situation was extremely sensitive and upsetting for the family, I think they understood that making a film was my way of doing this, and if what I discovered on my journey could go some way to lift the ominous dark clouds of the unknown, they would stand behind me.



Twelve months later and I feel that the film, despite the emotions it has brought to surface, has gone a long way to lift those dark clouds. We can now see Rich in broad daylight, well almost. He may still hold the same views and dream of the total destruction of the west, but at least we have an insight and feel we can now engage with this distant world in which he and his brothers inhabit.

There were moments of real shock and hurt, such as when Rich told me he wouldn't shake my hand because I was a dirty kafir or when I watched as he and the brothers publicly burned the American flag on the anniversary of 9/11. But since the documentary, there have been moments of real hope too. I recently met with Rich after he had been given the rare opportunity of a preview. His feelings were mixed, but after we had finished talking and I had got back into my car, I noticed he was walking back towards me. I switched off the engine and got out. He shook my hand "...sorry about the handshaking thing" he said "I didn't mean to cause offence..." I drove away with a smile on my face; it was comforting to know that things can change, even if only with a fleeting handshake.

Here is the blog.

I decided to watch the entire documentary. I saw a clip of the documentary on the BBC and I became curious. The documentary was annoying because so many terms are not defined like Islamism, extremist, radical, etc. It confused me and gave me a headache. Anyway...

I find it laughable that some people consider Anjem Choudary a dangerous individual. It is irrational to believe this man and his group are a threat. If he was a dangerous individual, he would have been arrested. I suspect the government finds him useful. Anjem holds aggressive protests and makes provocative comments. The government then claims that the threat of Islamic extremism is real and use this to justify the current wars and even attempt to violate civil liberties. That said, I do remember the government banning Islam4UK. This was no problem for Anjem. He used to be a practicing Solicitor. It would not have been difficult for him to overcome the ban.

My opinion of Anjem is mixed. I respect him that he used to be a non-practicing Muslim and must have worked hard to become religious. I do disagree with him on several issues. Him and his group are not educating the public about Islam properly. He should be aware that the mainstream media will make it difficult to present the Sharia in a positive light. To make provocative comments, insult soldiers and to burn flags is not helping the current situation at all.

If the Sharia were to be implemented in the UK he needs to compare the British Legal System to the Sharia and highlight its disadvantages. This should not be difficult for him because he has studied UK and EU law. He needs to persuade the public that the Sharia is better than the current legal system. His group needs to be disciplined as well because they are behave like baboons during protest. I was so surprised when one of his members slapped that drunk man. I felt bad for that drunk man. He should have received some help because he could have injured himself or others.

As for Richard, I like him. He reminds me of my cousin. I do think he too judgemental. Correcting other people is fine but I think he needs to be careful not to judge non-Muslims too harshly. I liked how he is trying to spread Islam and he's brave to do it because not many Muslims have the guts to do that in public. He needs to be a little more sensitive to not upset his brother.

Ben was interesting character. Is it me but does it appear that Richard and Ben are related?

As for Robb, I do understand how he is feeling, especially about the left hand issue. I think he needs to find good Islamic book and learn Islam for himself. May Allah guide him to Islam.

EDIT:

Woah...sorry for the big rant. I did not realise I typed up so much...

format_quote Originally Posted by Lost Identity

He is a threat, a threat to Muslims. This guy is spreading his warped ideology and he is damaging the image of Islam
CIA Agent, he certainly is

Salaam,

I meant he is not a threat in terms of national security. Do you have evidence that he is a CIA agent?

is anjum choudary even a sheikh or is he self taught teaching these people his understanding? From what i know he is a lawyer by profession :S

format_quote Originally Posted by Salahudeen

Didn't catch all of it but, as I was watching it, I thought if a non Muslim was watching this, he/she would get a very bad impression of Muslims, and maybe think Muslims' are intolerate people who dislike/hate anyone who isn't Muslim. And that Muslims are the kind of people who will be kind to your face but inside they hate you really because your non Muslim.

Think that's the point, on Youtube EDL channels are doing their best to promote the video.

salaam

I dont think hes anyones agent but its people like these guys that get air time.

peace

format_quote Originally Posted by Revert 2010

Salaam, I know that brother and have spoken to him on a few occasions he's a really nice guy : )

Wa'Alaykum As'Salam

I'm sure he's a nice guy, but you need to tell him he's mixing with the wrong crew. If you see him again try and guide him to normal islam, their methods for daw'ah only put people away from islam not bring them closer.