Cleric’s Plan To Create Islamic State On Scottish Island Raises Alarm
A Shia Muslim cleric, Sheikh Yasser al-Habib, is seeking to purchase a private island in Scotland with the intent of establishing a self-contained Islamic state. Al-Habib, who fled to Britain after being imprisoned in Kuwait for sectarianism and losing his citizenship, has his sights set on Torsa, also known as Thor’s Island, located in the Inner Hebrides.
Al-Habib aims to create a sanctuary for his Mahdi Servants Union, a group dedicated to Shia Islamists who believe in the imminent return of the Mahdi, a messianic figure in Shia Islam. “If you want to live free under the banner of the imam, in a special homeland where you feel everything in it reminds you of the awaited Mahdi, everything is the Shia homeland, support this project,” al-Habib said in a fundraising broadcast on Fadak TV, his satellite channel based in Buckinghamshire, England.
The cleric has already been conducting “boot camps” for his followers in England, where they don military-style uniforms. His vision for Torsa includes an autonomous community with its own army, judicial system, schools, and hospitals.
Sarah Zaaimi, a spokeswoman for the Atlantic Council, expressed concern over the potential ramifications of al-Habib’s plans. She warned that the establishment of such a community could lead to significant social and political challenges, including the creation of an isolated and self-governed enclave.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Scotland recently had Humza Yousaf, a Pakistani-heritage Muslim, as its First Minister, known for his outspoken views on racial and cultural integration. Al-Habib’s plans are part of a broader trend of Islamic extremists exploiting Britain’s asylum laws to establish themselves within the country. The European Court of Human Rights prevents the deportation of individuals to countries where they might face severe punishment, offering protection to figures like al-Habib.
The local community and authorities will be closely monitoring the developments to ensure that any actions taken align with the broader interests and safety of the residents.
