- The UK government’s strategy against far-right extremism has been largely ineffective.
- Hamza Myatt’s direct engagement with far-right supporters is proving more successful in challenging misconceptions and fostering dialogue.
Recently, the UK government unveiled a new strategy to combat various forms of “extremism,” which included the far-right kind. While these initiatives aim to curb rising tensions and atrocities, recent events on the streets of England highlight just how ineffective these efforts have been.
In stark contrast, Hamza Myatt, a white, British Muslim revert and founder of Hamza’s Den, has spent the past few years engaging directly with individuals from far-right factions. His goal? To dismantle the fear-mongering rhetoric spread by figures like Tommy Robinson and to challenge misconceptions about Islam and Muslims.
Recently, Myatt engaged in a conversation with a staunch Tommy Robinson supporter named David.
Rather than descending into hostility, their exchange was both insightful and educational to many. Myatt methodically debunked myths, such as the fallacious belief that grooming gangs in the UK are predominately comprised of British Pakistani men. This narrative was dangerously propelled by the likes of Suella Braverman with conflicting factual evidence. Brother Hamza provided clear evidence that Islam and Muslims are entirely divorced from such abhorrent actions and presented several case studies of non-Muslim men who have committed heinous crimes against minors.
Throughout the discussion, Myatt listened attentively to David’s concerns and even said how he was a kind person, while noting how deeply David had been radicalised.
But why is brother Hamza’s approach to de-radicalising far-right individuals proving to be more effective than government-led initiatives? The answer of course is glaringly obvious and lies in brother Hamza’s background. As a white revert, Myatt is not perceived as a complete “outsider” or “foreign alien” by many from the far right. This shared identity allows him to break down barriers and foster understanding in a way that government programs often cannot.
It’s important to understand that in Islam, brother Hamza’s skin colour is irrelevant; he is embraced as one of our own.
It’s also important to note, not every radicalised individual Myatt encounters will be receptive to his message. Furthermore, these interactions between the two segments of society do not occur without obstacles. Many white, British reverts in the dawah scene are denounced as “traitors” by the far right, causing some to avoid any interaction with them.
Nonetheless, individuals like Myatt, who can effectively engage with far-right supporters both in person and online, have the potential to intrigue and influence those who might otherwise be unreachable.
The key to Myatt’s success lies in his approach: by creating a space for dialogue and understanding, he is paving the way for genuine change—something that top-down government efforts have so far failed to achieve.
