Ibn Taymiyyah is known as the “Sheikh of Islam” to his admirers, and to his detractors, one of the most significant antecedents of modern Salafi Jihadism. Simultaneously a genius scholar, brutal warrior and unflinching polemicist, he is one of the most important pioneers of a militant form of Sunni Islam, and is now quoted more than any other scholar by Islamist terrorists today.

Continuing our series exploring the historical forebears of modern Salafi Jihadism, this week sees us begin two episodes on Ibn Taymiyyah, the great mediaeval Islamic scholar. We’ll explore the world in which he grew up, with Mongol invasions constantly at the gates, alongside the many contradictions that defined his life and how he rose to prominence in the 13th century Middle East.

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This week’s Conflicted sees the second episode of our deep dive into the thrilling life of 7/8th century Muslim scholar, Ahmad bin Hanbal, founder of the Hanbali school of jurisprudence. Continuing our series looking at the historic Islamic thinkers who have inspired modern Salafi Jihadists today, we look at the fascinating and drama-filled second half of the life of the first fundamentalist.

Expect more battles with Abbasid Caliphs, more stubborn refusals to renounce his teachings, floggings, dancing, and the infamous mihna.

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On this week’s episode of Conflicted, we begin a multi episode exploration into the historical figures who function as antecedents to the modern jihadi movement, beginning with two episodes on one of its earliest examples: Ahmad Bin Hanbal.

When Islamic fundamentalists today look back in history, one of the earliest figures they will mention for inspiration is the 7th/8th century scholar, Ahmad Bin Hanbal. His writings, hadith collecting and ascetic life are used as an example for many in the modern salafi jihadist movement.

Join Thomas and Aimen for part one to explore his early life filled with drama, determination and defiance, as we take you on a rollercoaster ride through Byzantine border wars, fights with Caliphs and more, to see why he is so significant for Muslims today.

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Islamic radicals have been a scourge on countries across the Middle East for decades, but what drives the person who commits terrorist acts? What causes some Muslims to adopt a fundamentalist ideology? And what do these terms even mean in practice?

On this week’s episode of Conflicted, we explore the socio-political and psychological causes of Islamic radicalism. We’ll discover why certain countries end up fostering these ideologies, while also exploring the lives and psyches of Thomas and Aimen to understand what drove them down their different paths of fundamental religiosity.

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In the first episode of season 4 of Conflicted, hosts Thomas Small and Aimen Dean attempt to get to the bottom of the current state of play with Islamic terrorism, asking: where have all the terrorists gone?

In 2023, it feels like there has been a kind of stasis in terms of Islamic terrorism, with other geopolitical issues taking their place on the global stage. But is this a sign that it’s gone for good? Or is the cycle of terror forged by our old friends Isis and Al-Qaeda about to come back around the corner? And if so, where will the potential future hotspots for instability in the Muslim world be?

Find out on this episode of Conflicted, now coming to your podcast feeds every week.

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Join Islamic scholar Thomas Small and ex-jihadi turned spy Aimen Dean as they explore the fascinating chains of events that have created the patchwork of the Muslim world today, and how the region’s history has impacted the story of the entire world.

Expect answers to questions like: What do Turkey’s 2023 election results mean for the future stability of the region? What role will the Middle East play in the new multipolar world? And is Islamist Terrorism still a thing in 2023?

We’ll be coming to you every week from June 28th - subscribe to Conflicted wherever you get your podcasts to never miss an episode.

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In a special LIVE end of season event (recorded on the 30th November) Thomas and Aimen sat down to answer your questions about the latest headlines from the Middle East. No stone is left unturned as the two discussed a potential invasion of Northern Syria, increasing tensions in Iran and the possible rehabilitation of Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

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A special announcement from Thomas.

Find tickets to the Live Q&A on Eventbrite.

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In the final episode of this season, Thomas & Aimen come full circle again, back to the latest chapter in Aimen’s extraordinary life—a new, sad chapter that has forced a difficult and fateful decision upon him. The two friends also roll up their sleeves and resume their age-old ongoing argument: is the clash between Western modernity and Islamic civilization bound to end in bloody conflict, or can the Islamic world make the adjustments required to reap the benefits of modernity—without losing its soul in the process?

Listen to Aimen on Blethered: https://pod.co/blethered/aimen-dean-21st-centurys-most-valued-spy-on-why-hes-leaving-scotland

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As Conflicted approaches the end of season 3, Aimen & Thomas turn their attention to a country which hasn’t featured much on the podcast so far: Algeria. Often overlooked due to the Algerian regime’s isolationist policy, for those with eyes to see Algeria has been at the vanguard of Middle Eastern developments for over two hundred years. For this reason, it’s the perfect prism through which to revisit all the historical themes from this season: traditional Islamic civilization, the challenge of Western modernity, the indignities of colonisation, the triumph of nationalist independence and petro-statehood, and the slide into disillusionment and decline thanks to Cold War geopolitics, political Islamism, and the rise of global jihadism.

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