Ideas worth spreading

Inside the mind of a former radical jihadist

2,446,795 views | Manwar Ali • TEDxExeter

"For a long time, I lived for death," says Manwar Ali, a former radical jihadist who participated in violent, armed campaigns in the Middle East and Asia in the 1980s. In this moving talk, he reflects on his experience with radicalization and makes a powerful, direct appeal to anyone drawn to Islamist groups that claim violence and brutality are noble and virtuous: let go of anger and hatred, he says, and instead cultivate your heart to see goodness, beauty and truth in others.

"For a long time, I lived for death," says Manwar Ali, a former radical jihadist who participated in violent, armed campaigns in the Middle East and Asia in the 1980s. In this moving talk, he reflects on his experience with radicalization and makes a powerful, direct appeal to anyone drawn to Islamist groups that claim violence and brutality are noble and virtuous: let go of anger and hatred, he says, and instead cultivate your heart to see goodness, beauty and truth in others.

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxExeter, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

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About the speaker

Manwar Ali

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A former committed pioneer of violent jihad, Manwar Ali draws on his experience and deepening understanding of Islam to prevent radicalisation and extremism.

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This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxExeter, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.

Connect with Against Violent Extremism, an organization that supports and shares the stories of people who are actively working against violent extremism.