Shaikh credits that proper teaching by his imam with helping him to become de-radicalized.
"He didn't need to berate me or insult me, because I was a complete fool. ... He was very merciful and gentle in his approach."
Shaikh says the imam exposed him to what he calls the "spirituality of Islam" that's in contrast to the pain, anger and frustration Shaikh says many extremists have in their lives.
"[Radical Islamists] appeal to a general narrative that they expect everyone will believe. 'We're the caliphate and Islam was spread by the sword.' This is what they affirm. Whereas the vast majority of Muslims, who are fighting them, are saying, 'No, you have nothing to do with Islamic practice.' This is why I call them terrorists in Islamic costume."
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