The issue of 'radicalisation' and 'extremism' currently attracts much attention and concern. Universities are places that encourage diversity and openness to all shades of opinion; they can be places where extremists of any kind can target students.

In many cases the greatest risk of extremism on university campuses will come in the form of racism, intolerance or hate-crimes. There are people from many different groups that seek to use coercive or even violent means to impose their views. Despite the image often put out at the moment, extremism is not a 'Muslim problem'; not only are most Muslims not 'extreme', but any belief system, religious or political, will have people at the extremes.

A very useful resource for addressing the broad range of issues is the updated guidance produced jointly by Universities UK, Equality Challenge Unit, and SCOP - Promoting good campus relations: dealing with hate crimes and intolerance. It 'provides an overview of the ways in which higher education institutions (HEIs) can deal with hate crimes and intolerance through existing or future work on promoting good relations, and thus ensure that academic freedom cannot be exploited to damage the legitimate freedoms of others. The key principle for dealing with hate crimes and intolerance on campus is to understand that all staff and students have the right to work, study and live without fear of intimidation, harassment and threatening or violent behaviour. The key ingredient for the preservation of academic freedom is tolerance and respect for diversity.'

Undoubtedly the variety of extremism that attracts the most lurid media attention, however, is extremist views put forward as interpretations of Islam. This introduces some unique problems. There is no 'moderate mainstream racism' that has its extemist fringe, so there is no wider community being unfairly targeted for the hate speech or crimes of a few. Unfortunately, Muslims in general can face unwarranted suspicion or hostility, and at the same time become targeted themselves, because of the actions of a few. This also raises difficulties for others who are unable to distinguish accepted understandings of Islam from those that are rejected by the minority. The pages in this section are aimed at bringing clarity to this area more than others.

Much of the material here is of use for dealing with any form of extremism. Some however is addressed at those situations where the 'extremists' are at the fringe of a broader community of beliefs and identity, posing uniquely painful problems -but offering as well a broad range of solutions.

The use of terms

Confusion can surround people are using words at the moment. The words 'radical' and 'extremist' are sometimes used interchangeably, and now particularly in Muslim contexts are often used as if they are points on a spectrum that ends in 'terrorist'. If you ask people what they mean by these words, a number of different characteristics are often put forward commentators. These features can jumble together religious and political traits without distinction, and without discernment about their significance, which can lead to misreadings of people's political views based on their religious convictions.

Care is clearly needed in making judgments about people based on particular beliefs. It is often best to avoid the blanket term 'radical' or 'extremist'. Instead, try wherever possible to refer specifically to the characteristic or trait intended: whether a political view, a stance on religious law, or literalism. Maybe by 'radical' you mean someone who is critical and vociferous on a the actions of particular country. Or maybe you mean someone that interprets a particular aya or verse literally. These are very different!

Some have suggested the following distinctions between the terms 'radical', 'extremist' and 'violent extremist'. It is one particular take on the terminology:

A radical view is one that is not conventional, beyond or outside the majority view or norms. It may challenge some of the assumptions or principles of more 'mainstream' views. It is not illegal to hold radical views and many political and religious groups contain their radicals. It is worth observing that people who can be labelled 'radicals' in some contexts are often powerfully positive individuals who can work to transform society in a pro-social direction!

An extreme view, politically, is one that supports more forceful overthrow of existing systems even if this goes against the will of the majority. Religiously, a view that is rejected by an overwhelming majority of believers, or those with religious or scholarly authority, may be said to be extreme. It is not illegal to hold or express extreme views, although it might be illegal to express 'violent extreme' views, given recent legislation on the 'glorification of terrorism'.

A violent extreme view advocates bring about political or religious change through the use of illegal force and violence. It is illegal to use violence in pursuit of extremist aims.

Non-Muslims without much familiarity with Islam can misinterpret some things, such as a desire to live according to Shari'a law, as 'extremist' when it might be held uncontroversially by most Muslims. It would be misleading to view such a person as politically 'radical'.

It's a little provocative - but here is a game to explore the contrasting way that people view different Muslim beliefs and traits - we expect no two people will answer these questions in the same way.

Test yourself. Which of these views or traits do you consider mainstream? traditional? fundamentalist? radical? extreme?

• Believing that the Qur'an is literally the Word of God
• Believing that the Qur'an should be understood literally
• Literal or rigorous application of the Qur'an and Sunnah to one's own practice and behaviour
• Desire to implement Shari'a in one's own life regardless of the legal system where one lives
• A belief that Shari'a should be the legal system in Britain
• A belief that Islam is incompatible with democracy or voting
• Rejection of aspects Western 'values' or lifestyle
• Morally conservative views of sexuality
• Justification of violence as a means to political or religious ends
• The desire to bring about a form of government perceived as Islamic, such as a Caliphate
• Support for groups such as Hizb ut-Tahrir or al-Muhajaroun
• Dramatic return to the perceived original, authentic Islam and eradication of anything 'bida', an illicit innovation

We think people will give different answers to this game! What's yours?