Some might say the reason many government institutions are struggling to engage with Muslims has much to do with what is deemed is as ‘extremist’ and what is deemed as acceptable.

There are specific terms that have quickly become associated with ‘extremism.’ But many Muslims reading this will be well aware that these terms are used on a regular basis by some of their fellow Islamic leaders and teachers.

Take for example the term ‘kuffar’ or ‘kafir’ which is used to describe unbelievers or those who cover the truth.

According to one anti-extremism website the use of such a term accompanied by others might well mean you child is being indoctrinated with extremist belief.

On the Families Against Stress Trauma (FAST) website under the section ‘What to look out for,' it states, “Have they began to use derogative terms? Have they asked inappropriate questions, or expressed themselves in a way that sounds scripted? Have they used derogatory terms such as ‘kuffar’ or ‘rafidi’, or terms such as ‘dawlah’ or ‘khilafah’?"

'Rafidi' is a derogatory term used against Shia Muslims whereas the term ‘dawlah’ is said to be used by the early Abbasid caliphs to signify their ‘time of success.’ In the modern usage it has come to mean "state'" in particular a secular state.

The website features these terms alongside a list of other attributes that parents should watch out for in their children if they feel they may be radicalised.

Established in 2007 FAST is a UK-based organisation providing support to vulnerable families and individuals. It aims to assist parents with advice on what to do if they think their child or relative is being indoctrinated with a violent extremist ideology.

So why are such notions being deemed to be associated with extremism? Is it because we hear them on terrorist propaganda videos? Or are they regularly used by those who are looking to engage with young people in the UK?

The fact is, 'kuffar' is a regular term used within Muslim circles. It is common practice to use this term and I have personally heard respected Muslim adults (both men and women) use this term to describe notions and traits they do not like.

It is used almost weekly in sermons across the country.
It may well be seen as a derogatory term but at what point is it worrying? And if adults are using these terms, who can blame the child for uttering it?

This, it seems, highlights why the government and all those groups who have looked to engage with Muslims seem to fail at the first hurdle. 

There is no set definition for ‘extremism’ and in today’s paranoid political climate you might well find yourself on the wrong side of the law without even knowing it.