By Bryan Kay

THE THREAT of Islamic fundamentalism has become so great that families in the Muslim community have begged their children not to join Islamic youth groups in case it brings the security services to their door, it has emerged.

As small religious societies bringing young people together for leisure, they should be among the most innocuous.

But a minority with extremist views intent on mass destruction have tarnished their reputations, forcing some to avoid the public glare.

One young man told The Courier the paranoia has become so bad in Dundee that parents are actively discouraging youngsters.

It is a sentiment echoing around the country, as Muslims come to terms with a small band of radicals who have made it their vocation to spread hatred to young followers of the Koran.

Faizal Hussain said a Muslim youth group in the city had taken the decision to avoid speaking publicly for fear of being misunderstood.

He said, “The group doesn’t want to say anything too political right now. Parents are saying to their children not to join groups—not because they’re doing anything bad, but because they’re scared the police will end up at their doors.”

While some arrested in connection with alleged terror plots have been associated with Islamic splinter groups, legitimate groups are dismayed they cannot be viewed without suspicion.

Another young Muslim said the current public hysteria surrounding Islam would make it folly for a youth group to open themselves up to scrutiny.

He said, “Muslim youth groups are just like Muslim schools as far as the public is concerned at the moment.”

He blamed the media spotlight for exacerbating the predicament in which Muslims find themselves, adding, “Now is not the right time to go public.

“For now we would prefer to work with young people and help them to change the public perception.”

The Muslim Council of Britain said last night the position Muslim families find themselves in is a regrettable one.

Assistant secretary general Inayat Bunglawala urged them not to allow the hysteria to deter or intimidate them from permitting their children to attend worthwhile groups.

He said, “It is a regrettable situation that families feel reluctant to allow young people to go to youth groups. Islamic societies in universities and schools are places where young people can learn about fellow Muslims and come together.

“It is unfortunately a sad effect of the hysteria against Islam. People have become so afraid of voluntary Islamic activity.”

Mr Bunglawala said he sympathised with the attitude towards the media.

He added, “So often they (Islamic groups) have been misrepresented by even the responsible press. But again, this is a matter of developing confidence and finding good quality papers.”