By Sheikh Yasser al-Habib, a 45-year-old Muslim cleric based in the UK, has revealed plans to establish an Islamic community on an uninhabited Scottish island. This development has sparked discussions about religious freedom, sovereignty, and community integration.
Al-Habib, who was granted asylum in Britain 20 years ago after leaving Kuwait, currently operates from what he calls his “global headquarters” in Fulmer, South Buckinghamshire. In a recent video addressed to his followers, he disclosed that his group is in advanced negotiations to purchase the island of Torsa, located off the west coast of Scotland.
Torsa, part of the Slate Islands, is just over a mile long and has been uninhabited for more than 50 years, save for a single farmhouse. The island is only accessible by private boat from Luing, which itself requires a ferry connection.
According to al-Habib, the plan for Torsa includes the construction of a school, hospital, and mosque. The community would operate under sharia law, which has raised questions about the legal implications of such an arrangement within the UK.
Sarah Zaaimi, deputy director for communications at the American think tank Atlantic Council, who has researched al-Habib’s activities, expressed concerns about the project. “They will have their own army, their own justice system, they will manage their own schools and hospitals, and people from around the world will be able to migrate to this homeland,” she said. “It does challenge the notion of sovereignty.”
Al-Habib has framed the project as the creation of an Islamic “homeland” in preparation for the coming of the Mahdi, a messianic figure in Islamic eschatology. He has already raised over $3 million of the $3.5 million goal to purchase the land.
The cleric’s plans have drawn attention to his past activities and statements. Al-Habib runs military-style training camps and operates a TV channel that the UK government has unsuccessfully attempted to shut down. He has also been involved in controversial media projects, including a film that sparked protests due to its depiction of the Prophet Muhammad.
This initiative raises complex questions about religious freedom, community integration, and the limits of sovereignty within a multicultural society. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how UK authorities will respond to these plans and what implications they might have for future community developments.
As this situation develops, it will likely prompt broader debates about the balance between religious expression and national cohesion, as well as the role of government in overseeing unconventional community projects.
Daily MailOnline
