Hizb ut-Tahrir: Islamic group proscribed as a terrorist organisation in UK

The Islamic group Hizb ut-Tahrir has been proscribed as a terrorist organisation today (19th January) after Parliament approved a draft order laid on Monday.

This order makes belonging to Hizb ut-Tahrir or inviting support for the group a criminal offence, with a potential prison sentence of 14 years which can be handed down alongside or in place of a fine.

Hizb ut-Tahrir has now been added to the list of proscribed organisations in the UK, alongside 79 other organisations.

Who are Hizb ut-Tahrir?

Hizb ut-Tahrir, translated as the “Party of Liberation,” is an international Islamic political organization that seeks to establish an Islamic state, or Caliphate, governed by Islamic law (Sharia).

Founded in 1953 in Jerusalem by Taqiuddin al-Nabhani, a Palestinian judge, the organisation has gained attention for its ideological stance and activities in various parts of the world.

Hizb ut-Tahrir operates in over 40 countries and has a presence in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and even North America.

The primary goal of Hizb ut-Tahrir is to unify the Muslim world under a single political entity, eliminating the current nation-state system and replacing it with a Caliphate that spans all Muslim-majority territories.

The organisation’s vision is rooted in a strict interpretation of Islamic teachings, and it rejects the influence of Western political systems and ideologies. Hizb ut-Tahrir’s members believe that the implementation of Sharia law is the only way to achieve justice and prosperity for Muslims.

One of the distinctive features of Hizb ut-Tahrir is its declared commitment to non-violent means of achieving its objectives, which conflicts somewhat with its clear support for political and sectarian violence.

Hizb ut-Tahrir praise for Hamas.

The group did, however, praise the October 7th Hamas-led attack on Israel.

A statement by the group said “if this can be done by a resistance group, imagine what a unified response from the Muslim world could achieve”.

The leader of Hizb ut-Tahrir in Britain – Abdul Wahid – celebrated Hamas’ October 7 attack as a “welcome punch on the nose” for Israel.

Hizb ut-Tahrir has called on Muslim countries to “get your armies and go and remove the Zionist occupiers”.

Unlike some other Islamist groups, Hizb ut-Tahrir advocates for the establishment of the Caliphate through intellectual and political activism rather than armed conflict.

The organisation engages in grassroots activities, disseminating its ideology through publications, seminars, and online platforms. Its members aim to garner support among Muslims for the idea of a unified Islamic state and the implementation of Sharia law.

However, Hizb ut-Tahrir’s ideas and methods have been controversial and have faced criticism from various quarters. Many Muslim-majority countries have banned the organisation, viewing its goals as a threat to the existing political order.

Governments argue that Hizb ut-Tahrir’s call for the dismantling of nation-states undermines stability and promotes religious extremism. Some critics also express concerns about the organization’s potential to radicalize individuals, even though it officially rejects violence.

In Western countries, Hizb ut-Tahrir operates within the bounds of the law, taking advantage of freedom of speech and assembly to promote its ideas.

However, it remains under scrutiny due to its perceived links to radicalization, and some have called for its proscription.

Hizb ut-Tahrir’s impact varies across different regions.

In some places, it has been able to attract a following, especially among young Muslims disillusioned with the perceived failures of existing political systems. In other areas, its influence has been limited, and it has faced challenges in gaining broader support.

The organisation’s stance on women’s rights and religious minorities has also been a subject of controversy. Critics argue that its strict interpretation of Islamic law may curtail the rights of these groups in a future Caliphate.

Hizb ut-Tahrir, on the other hand, maintains that it seeks to implement Sharia law in a just and equitable manner, ensuring the rights of all citizens.

Hizb ut-Tahrir is a significant Islamic political organisation with a global presence. Its call for the establishment of a Caliphate governed by Sharia law has sparked both support and opposition.

While the organisation insists on non-violent means, it remains a controversial entity, and its vision for a unified Islamic state continues to generate debate and scrutiny worldwide.

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Read also: UK to proscribe Hizb ut-Tahrir under Terrorism Act 2000

“This means that belonging to, inviting support for and displaying articles in a public place in a way that arouses suspicion of membership or support for the group will be a criminal offence.”

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