A Long Jihad: My Quest for the Middle Way

by Muhammad Abdul Bari

In this memoir, Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari asks us to look beyond the extremism and violence that all too often defines the Muslim community toward those, like himself, navigating a middle-way life. A path defined in Islam as the 'natural way', far away from the cliff of radicalisation that causes some to harm themselves and others. Through his personal journey as an Air Force officer in Bangladesh to the leader of the Muslim Council of Britain during the ill-advised War of Terror and beyond, Muhammad's reassuring reflections come to the importance of community engagement, civic responsibility, and what it means to live a good life. In articulating his positions Muhammad Abdul Bari offers Muslims, and everybody else, guidance on going forward as engaged, confident individuals, down a path that rejects radical views and seeks to stay in the centre, living a life of moderation that is, as the Qur'an says, 'justly balanced'.

Genres: Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

Published September 25, 2018

Reviews

[Hasan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abdul Bari's memoirs are necessary for any young person to understand the issues and the evolving cycle of the British Muslim community over the past three decades. Abdul Bari also gives his take on the key issues affecting British Muslims, whether as an individual, a family or community. The book presents a perspective on how to achieve a 'common good' for all communities and what is needed for it to gain a stronger voice as British Muslims in the wider society. Abdul Bari is one of a handful of British Muslim individuals who has maintained a community role and influenced nationwide outcomes at the same time. His memoirs is a leadership manual on how to strive the middle way for any aspiring community servant in Britain.

[Ayezu Tamarapreye Okoko · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK:-A LONG JIHAD -MY QUEST FOR THE MIDDLE WAY BY MUHAMMAD ABDUL BARI

This book is written from the authors life experience serving the Muslim and British community.The author asks some more worthy questions on the future of Muslims and British both systems of which encourages giving back to society,not in slavery but to perfect error or for correction .It mirrors the struggle faced by elder and young in the Muslim and British world and the fight against extremism or opportunist tendencies in a bid to perfect error and whether same is terrorism or t-error with t for perfect .It looks at giving something back to society even as I ask what is this something we give back,is it service ,then it is t-error but if something that dehumanises ,it may be t-error.The author shares his story as an instigator to the old and young people of the Muslim community and non Muslim faith looking at London winning the bid to host the Olympics (owe-lee-m-peaks) amongst others.It looks at terror attacks and the impact on the image of Islam;safety and the perception of Islamic national raising question on our war on terror and whether it is a war on terror and whether it is a war against perfect error or terror and torture or opportunist tendencies in it's reality.It raises questions whether one has to be threatened and terrorised to make them human and loyal and whether loyalty and humanity gained by torture lasts or encourages terror and is infact the real terrorism.It looks at handling the impact of terror by media(me-dia or me-di-ah as pronounced to meane and the husband with dia for husband I. Ikwerre or me come or eat the opened or the pain with pain pronounced "pay-in" and do for eat and come in effik or ibibio language of Nigeria noting that slavery has been abolished in Britain while hardwork ,vision and ambition is encouraged.

The book takes me to my profession as a lawyer here in Nigeria where seniority is encouraged and service and pupilage is key and whether same does not encourage terrorism.

From reading books and engagement with lawyers in regard to laws in Nigeria that are available even as lawyers fight perceived opportunistic tendencies from the bench in aiding the court in administering Justice and from seniors in pupilage or service, one will say our laws try to curb terror even as they are constrained.We take for I stance the law on judges serving until 60,sixty something to obtain a perfect sea or "sea is t" and whether it is one good law that should be leaverage.It then leaves a question however on how many perfect sea a judge should complete?Are there lawyers willing to aid this judge complete this perfect sea?Are these lawyers capable hands or too old hands that will breed terror?

On the whole the book was an interesting skip read.

[Megan Darbyshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. It’s a really solid autobiography of Dr. Bari, interspersed with a history of Muslim organizations and their influence in London and the greater UK, with a pinch of a history lesson on broader Islam. It addresses events both positive and negative, and really champions diversity and community organizations as essential to a functioning society. I feel I came away from reading it with a greater understanding of Islam because many of the (mostly media-instilled) falsehoods have been defeated in my mind. It is clear that just like any other religion in the world, there are going to be people that take it to extremes and interpret whatever the holy book for that religion is in ways they shouldn’t. The only things that bogged the book down a little were during the parts where Dr. Bari was discussing his work with the different organizations he’s worked with over the years. There were so many organizations with so many acronyms that it was very difficult to focus on the importance of what was happening during that time. Also, at times the timeline of events during that period was also a bit muddled. Nonetheless, Dr. Bari obviously takes great pride in his work, both paid and volunteer, and it is clear from the book that he should.

[Naya Gamal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book provides an inspiring and insightful look into the author's life and the responsibilities every human being has towards wider society. It particularly highlights the challenges faced by the Muslim community in Britain, offering potential solutions to these issues. The author's bravery in sharing his journey into activism, including the life-threatening struggles that can impact communities, families, or individuals, is commendable.

This easy-to-read book offers a delightful and candid view of the author's experiences and activism. The author doesn't hold back, revealing the full truth behind the often limited glimpses shown to the public. Focusing on his struggles within a specific community, he illustrates his career aspirations and the obstacles he faced. Despite the hardships and the long journey, he persevered and achieved his goals.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. It is not only engaging but also provides valuable insights into the Muslim community and the broader societal responsibilities we all share.

[Swati · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book gives an inspiring insight into the life of the author. And Responsibility of every human being towards the wider society. He particularly outlines the challenges faced by the Muslim community in Britain and puts forward some of the solutions. I Highly recommend this book to everyone! I finished reading this book rrecently...it's full with historical events and facts. I enjoyed reading it. It summarized most of the challenges that faced the Muslim Community in the UK .I am impressed about the details that he brought to the surface especially those related to names, venues, quotations and accurate dates. It is a mixture of history and brief explanation about Islam in a simplified way. I strongly recommend this books.

[Ulku · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading this book, the book gives you something before you find anything. The subjects mentioned in the content are very important and almost one of the most important problems that are created consciously in the world. It is a book that will help people in many subjects such as creating awareness and becoming conscious, especially giving reasons with accusations about beliefs, people being harmed and deceived by these perspectives. I think it is one of the books that should exist. We are very weak in searching for sources in social problems and in forming our own thoughts. It is very important to know how to do research before being filled in by others. Seeing only what we want to see is another big problem of society. Is the truth really what we hear?

[Jasmine Stallions · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really inspiring because it offers a deep look into the author's life and talks about how everyone has a responsibility to society as a whole. The author specifically discusses the problems that the Muslim community in Britain faces and suggests some solutions. I totally recommend this book to everyone! I just finished reading it, and it's packed with cool historical stuff and facts. I had a good time reading it. It covers a lot of the challenges that the Muslim community in the UK has gone through.

[Areeba Mahmood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: “A long jihad my quest for the midd way” by M.Abdul Bari

This book provides a unique perspective on the struggles of British Muslim community in the context of modern islamic world.He specifically mentioned some problems and also gave some ideas to resolve them. One thing i loved about it is how he summarised every single detail in a book. From me this book is highly recommended to every who wants to read about history of muslim community leaving in Uk.

[Grumpy Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting insight on how Muslim community changed post 9/11 and after the 7/7 bombings. The memoir highlights Bari's journey and tackling issues such as community, identity and inclusion of the Muslim community in the UK. Through his struggles he has found the middle way of practising Islam while being a prominent activity/community figure..

[Pulung Dwisari · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Long Jihad is more than a memoir—it is a manifesto for moderate, conscientious living in a polarized world. It combines humility, introspection, and civic responsibility in a compelling story. Whether you’re drawn to tales of personal transformation, community leadership, or interfaith dialogue, this memoir stands out as a nuanced guide for thoughtful engagement.