Thesis subject: The theme of migration in jihadist and classical texts.
My doctoral thesis explores jihadist reinterpretations of Islamic ideas about migration and movement. I am focusing in particular on the concept of hijra (migration), and on the related theme of estrangement (ghurba). My wider research interests include the comparative study of 'radicalism' and 'counter-radicalism', the function of sufism within salafi-jihadist movements, and the role of secular society as a model for jihadist statehood.
My doctoral research project developed out of my journalistic work, for which I was nominated for the Foreign Press Association's 'Feature Story of the Year' award in 2015.
