Masood Azhar’s journey from a celebrated guest of British Islamic scholars to an internationally recognized terrorist highlights a troubling evolution. Once welcomed with open arms by some of the UK’s most prominent Islamic institutions, Azhar’s transformation into the head of one of Pakistan’s most violent militant groups has become a focal point in discussions about radicalization and terrorism. This blog explores Azhar’s past activities in Britain, his subsequent rise in terrorism, and the global response to his actions.
A Noteworthy Arrival
When Masood Azhar arrived in Britain on August 6, 1993, he was greeted by a group of Islamic scholars from some of the country’s largest mosques. This visit, detailed in various militant group magazines, included a series of speeches across the UK. Azhar’s charismatic presence and fervent rhetoric on jihad captivated many, leading to his speeches being described as deeply moving. His tour was extensive, covering numerous mosques and Islamic institutions, including the significant Darul Uloom Bury in Lancashire.
The Spread of Jihadist Ideology
Azhar’s visit to Britain in the early 1990s marked a significant moment in the spread of jihadist ideology in the UK. His sermons, emphasizing the need for jihad and the training required for it, were delivered at several prominent mosques, including those in east London and northern towns such as Dewsbury and Batley. His influence was not limited to just preaching; it extended to discussions on jihadist training and recruitment.
A significant venue on his tour was Darul Uloom Bury, a leading Islamic seminary. Here, Azhar’s message included statements that a large portion of the Koran and the sayings of Prophet Muhammad advocated for jihad. This engagement was particularly alarming given the institution’s status and its role in training Islamic scholars in Britain.
From Jihadist Rhetoric to Terrorist Actions
The consequences of Azhar’s visit became more evident in subsequent years. In December 1999, an Indian Airlines plane was hijacked by terrorists demanding the release of Azhar and two other jihadists. Following their release, Azhar founded Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a militant group that became infamous for its violent actions.
The impact of Azhar’s teachings was also seen in terrorist activities in the UK. Figures like Rashid Rauf, a key associate of Azhar, were involved in directing significant terror plots, including the 7/7 bombings and other attacks. Azhar’s influence extended to providing logistical support and training for attacks in the UK, showing a disturbing link between his radicalization efforts and real-world terrorism.
The Global Response and Current Status
In recent years, international efforts to address Azhar’s terrorism have intensified. After numerous attempts to list him as a global terrorist, the UN finally designated Azhar as such in May 2024. This decision marked a significant diplomatic victory for India and its allies, reflecting increased global resolve against terrorism.
The UN’s designation requires Pakistan to freeze Azhar’s assets, enforce a travel ban, and cut off his access to arms. This move has been seen as a crucial step in addressing terrorism, though challenges remain in fully implementing and enforcing these measures.
Conclusion
Masood Azhar’s transformation from a prominent Islamic preacher to a notorious terrorist underscores the complexities of radicalization and its global implications. His early engagement with British Islamic institutions and the subsequent rise of his militant group highlight the critical need for vigilance and effective counterterrorism measures. As the international community continues to address these issues, the case of Masood Azhar serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in combating global terrorism and radicalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Masood Azhar? Masood Azhar is a Pakistani jihadist and the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a militant group known for its violent attacks and connections with al-Qaeda. He gained notoriety for his role in various terrorist activities and was recently designated a global terrorist by the UN.
2. What was Azhar’s connection to Britain? In 1993, Masood Azhar was welcomed by Islamic scholars and delivered numerous speeches in UK mosques. His visit was marked by his promotion of jihadist ideology, which influenced some segments of the Muslim community in Britain.
3. What impact did Azhar’s teachings have on terrorism? Azhar’s teachings contributed to the radicalization of individuals who later participated in or facilitated terrorist activities, including major attacks in the UK and the hijacking of an Indian Airlines plane in 1999.
4. Why was Masood Azhar recently designated a global terrorist? The UN designated Azhar a global terrorist due to his involvement in planning and facilitating terrorist acts, his association with al-Qaeda, and his role in leading JeM, which has been responsible for numerous violent attacks.
5. What steps are being taken against Masood Azhar following his designation? Following his designation, Pakistan is required to freeze Azhar’s assets, enforce a travel ban, and cut off his access to arms. These measures aim to curb his influence and prevent further terrorist activities.
