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Mohammed Hijab
Hijab as a speaker
Hijab in 2018
Born (1991-10-05) 5 October 1991 (age 33)
London, United Kingdom
Education
Known forPublic debate, YouTuber, Rights activism
Religious life
DenominationSunni[1]
Websitemohammedhijab.com
Mohammed Hijab
YouTube information
Channel
Years active2015–present
Subscribers1.3M[2]
Views379,085,395[2]
Contents are inEnglish
Last updated: 1 June 2025

Mohammed Hijab (born 5 October 1991) is an English Islamic scholar, rights activist, author, and influencer, known for his public intellectualism on the philosophy of religion, politics, and society. He is a co-founder of the Sapience Institute, and instructor at Cambridge Arabic College.

Holding multiple academic degrees across diverse fields, he has engaged in high-profile discussions with figures such as Jordan Peterson and Noam Chomsky, and has debated individuals including William Lane Craig, David Wood, Alan Dershowitz, and Ayaan Hirsi Ali. His televised debate on the Gaza–Israel conflict with Shmuley Boteach on Piers Morgan Uncensored is among the most viewed on the subject. He was one of the leading figures in the Leicester unrest and is known for his criticism of Zionism, Liberalism, and Atheism.

Considered one of the most influential Islamic figures globally, his activism and commentary have received mixed reactions, resulting in event cancellations in countries such as Canada and Ireland, and a ban in the Netherlands. In 2024, he also appeared in a London-based television drama titled Burning Hands, in which he played a lead role. The same year, he made his professional debut in mixed martial arts at UMMA 3 in Coventry, England, winning by technical knockout in the third round.

Early life

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Mohammed Hijab was born on 5 October 1991 in London, England.[3] He holds several academic qualifications, including a BA in Politics from Queen Mary University of London and a BA in Arabic and Islamic Sciences from Al-Azhar University in Egypt.[4][5] He later obtained an MA in Islamic Studies from SOAS University of London, an MA in History from Queen Mary University, and an MTh in Applied Theology from the University of Oxford.[6][7] He is currently pursuing a PhD in the Philosophy of Religion at the University of Birmingham.[8][9][10] Hijab is a co-founder of the Sapience Institute, where he works as a researcher and instructor as well as an Arabic instructor at Cambridge Arabic College.[11][12]

Hijab began uploading content to YouTube on 16 June 2015, starting with a video on Arabic pronunciation.[13] In May 2018, his trainee teaching contract at Harris Academy Rainham in East London was terminated following his attendance at a freedom of speech rally in Whitehall.[14] Beyond his academic and digital activities, Hijab appeared in the 2024 London-based drama series Burning Hands, portraying the lead character Omar Ayad. The series, directed by Abid Ralph and written by Sarah El-Dandrawy, follows a former gang member turned English teacher confronting the realities of inner-city life, including crime, poverty, and social unrest.[15] That same year, Hijab made his professional debut in mixed martial arts (MMA) at UMMA 3 in Coventry, where he competed in the heavyweight division. He won the match against Reece Heer by technical knockout in the third round, following a striking sequence that concluded with a decisive teep kick. Hijab trained for the bout at Fightzone London under the guidance of coach Stuart Austin.[16][17]

Public intellectualism

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Mohammed Hijab presents an Islamic critique of liberal values at the Peace Conference Scandinavia 2018

Hijab is known for engaging in public discourse on religion, politics, and social issues through online platforms.[18] He has interviewed and debated several well-known figures, including academic Norman Finkelstein in 2020, linguist Noam Chomsky in 2021, psychologist Jordan Peterson in 2021 and 2022, and online personality Andrew Tate following his conversion to Islam in 2022.[19][20][21] With Peterson, the discussion focused on interfaith dialogue, interpretations of Islam, and the need for difficult conversations about religion.[22][23] Hijab has also engaged in theological and philosophical debates with Christian apologists like David Wood in 2018, William Lane Craig in 2024, Ayaan Hirsi Ali in 2022, and at an Oxford University Forum Debate in 2020.[24][25][26][27]

Hijab's involvement in debates concerning the Israeli–Palestinian conflict has drawn significant media and political attention. In October 2023, he appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored to discuss the ongoing Gaza war.[28][29] In November 2023, he debated U.S.-based Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, after which Hijab posted a tweet referencing an Israeli soldier in inflammatory terms, prompting Boteach to report the matter to U.S. authorities.[30][31]Watan reported Hijab's triumph over Shmuley Boteach.[32] Around the same time, Hijab told Anadolu Agency that Muslim leaders and populations must show greater resolve in addressing injustices in Gaza, highlighting Türkiye's potential role due to its geopolitical influence. He also accused the U.S. and EU of double standards regarding Israel's actions.[33] In 2024, Hijab had another confrontation on Piers Morgan's show, this time with Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz. The debate escalated when Hijab accused Dershowitz of being a "pervert" on air. Dershowitz threatened legal action for defamation, while Hijab maintained his stance, asserting that he was prepared for a lawsuit.[20]

Some of Hijab's public appearances have faced backlash in Western countries over allegations of promoting extremist rhetoric. In March 2023, a speaking event at Trinity College Dublin, organized by Islamic student groups, was canceled due to security concerns. Critics, including student campaign groups and equality officers, objected to Hijab's association with Andrew Tate and his criticism of feminism and LGBTQ+ rights.[34][35] In Canada, Hijab was scheduled to speak at the "Reviving Roots" conference in Burlington in February 2025, but the event was canceled after local officials, including Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, voiced concerns over hate speech.[36][37] That same month, the Dutch government imposed an entry ban on Hijab ahead of his appearance at the Ramadan Expo in Utrecht, citing concerns about hate speech.[38][39] The ban was overturned by a court in The Hague due to a lack of evidence. During the event, Hijab celebrated the ruling and criticized what he viewed as Western attempts to suppress Islamic voices.[40] In Norway, parliamentarian Kjell Ingolf Ropstad raised concerns about Hijab's speech at an Islam Net event in Oslo, claiming it legitimized violence.[41] Hijab denied the accusations and responded with a detailed rebuttal, accusing Ropstad of defamation and misrepresenting Islamic teachings on martyrdom and suicide.[42]

Rights advocacy

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Mohammed Hijab Confronts Opponents in Speakers' Corner Discussion

2022 Leicester unrest

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Main article: 2022 Leicester unrest

During the 2022 Leicester unrest, Hijab appeared in a widely circulated video addressing a group of Muslim men in a public area, where he made remarks referencing Hindu beliefs in reincarnation that were criticized as disrespectful.[43][14] He also condemned the presence of individuals he described as affiliated with Hindutva ideology, prompting chants from the crowd. Hijab later stated that he did not intend to mock Hindu beliefs and apologized if his comments were perceived that way.[14]He explained that his presence in Leicester, after traveling from London, was intended to help de-escalate tensions and discourage unlawful behavior, particularly among young people who follow his online content.[44][45] On September 18, he posted a photo on Instagram showing himself walking with masked individuals, captioned "Muslim patrol in Leicester," which drew further scrutiny.[14] That same month, The Spectator published an article alleging that Hijab exacerbated tensions, citing previous protests in which he had participated.[46] In December 2024, Hijab filed a defamation lawsuit against The Spectator and associate editor Douglas Murray, claiming the article falsely portrayed him as inciting unrest and caused reputational and emotional harm.[47][48]

Advocacy for Palestinian Rights

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In May 2021, Hijab participated in a pro-Palestinian demonstration that passed through Golders Green, a predominantly Jewish neighborhood in northwest London, where he addressed passersby and condemned violence against Palestinians, referencing the Holocaust in his speeches. His remarks were reported to the Metropolitan Police by the Community Security Trust and a local synagogue, raising concerns about antisemitism.[14] The following day, Hijab joined another protest outside the Israeli embassy in Kensington, where he confronted pro-Israeli demonstrators and was filmed making inflammatory comments to police, including threats against dogs belonging to Israeli supporters and referring to Israel as a "terrorist apartheid state." He was also recorded declaring, "We don't care about death. We love death." The demonstration later moved to Speakers' Corner, where some attendees were reported to have chanted antisemitic slogans. In response to rising tensions, Hijab was seen advising the crowd to avoid violence and remain composed, telling them, "Do not provoke violence... If you're going to get excited, go to the gym."[14]

Selected publications

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  • The Double Standard: Media Reactions to Zionist Terror. Sapience Institute. 2023. ISBN 979-8870539072.
  • The Burhān: Arguments for a Necessary Being Inspired by Islamic Thought. Sapience Institute. 2021. ISBN 979-8784089939.
  • The Scientific Deception of the New Atheists. Sapience Institute. 2020. ISBN 979-8666393741.
  • Kalam Cosmological Arguments. Sapience Institute. 2019. ISBN 978-1098544027.
  • Fifth-Wave Feminism. Sapience Institute. 2019. ISBN 978-1910952146.
  • A Treatise on Liberal Critiques of Ridda. Sapience Institute. 2019. ISBN 978-1670657794.
  • The King David Hotel Bombing and the Press. 2021. ASIN B096MWNC4M.

Jewish critique and Indian narrative

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Hijab's public activities and online presence have attracted criticism from several Jewish media outlets and organizations. His participation in demonstrations in the United Kingdom has been condemned by some groups as antisemitic.[14] The Jewish Chronicle described him as a controversial anti-Israel campaigner and criticized the BBC for featuring him in its 2021 documentary on antisemitism.[49] The Campaign Against Antisemitism expressed disapproval, stating, 'It is astonishing that the BBC has tried to portray this man as some kind of champion of coexistence,' while The Jewish Chronicle accused the broadcaster of being arrogant.[49][50] In a separate editorial, the outlet asserted that the BBC had "chosen to lie and pick a fight with Jews."[51] Jewish News labeled a 2021 video in which Hijab urged Jewish individuals on Shabbat to condemn Israel's actions as a direct act of incitement.[52] The Campaign Against Antisemitism also compiled examples of his social media activity in a report titled Who is Mohammed Hijab?[53] The Jerusalem Post reported on his televised debate with Shmuley Boteach, claiming that Hijab made false antisemitic and anti-Zionist claims.[54] The advocacy group StandWithUs labeled him a 'notorious antisemite' and linked his involvement in the 2022 Leicester unrest to accusations of promoting Hinduphobia.[55]

In Indian media, coverage has similarly been critical. News18 referred to Hijab as a "so-called public speaker" and questioned the contrast between his self-description and his online content, quoting his website while noting that videos circulating on social media reflect a different image.[56] Firstpost characterized him as someone known for holding extremist and antisemitic views.[57][58] OpIndia published a report accusing him of attempting to dismiss the seriousness of Muslim grooming gang cases in the United Kingdom.[59] Asian News International claimed that his past activities align with narratives associated with global jihadist movements.[60]

Global influence

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Mohammed Hijab during his Q&A session with Zeeshan Ali

Hijab has received international attention for his digital influence and presence in contemporary Islamic discourse. The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre included him in The 500 Most Influential Muslims (2025 edition), citing his substantial social media following and his role in helping young Muslims engage with modern intellectual and social challenges.[18] The British magazine The Critic described him as a high-profile Islamic figure in Britain, noting his media-savvy approach and public visibility.[61] UnHerd referred to him as an internet celebrity.[62] The Middle East Forum, however, described him as a prominent advocate of what it termed 'radical Islam' on social media.[37]

References

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  1. ^ Are You A Salafi? (Videotape). Mohammed Hijab. 26 June 2023.
  2. ^ a b "About @MohammedHijab". YouTube.
  3. ^ "Mohammed Hijab ("The Champ") | MMA Fighter Page". Tapology. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  4. ^ "Mohammed Hijab – Dawah-Groep" (in Dutch). Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  5. ^ Manhom. "محمد حجاب". من هم | بوابة الشخصيات والمؤسسات (in Arabic). Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  6. ^ "Mohammed Hijab – Dawah-Groep" (in Dutch). Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  7. ^ "Mohammed Hijab". Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  8. ^ Hart, Sulayman (7 October 2024). "Mohammed Hijab - The Muslim 500". themuslim500.com. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  9. ^ "Members of Philosophy of Religion". University of Birmingham. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  10. ^ Salvatore, Leonardo (2022). "In Search of a Creator: Infinity and Existence in the Kalam Cosmological Argument". Aporia. 32 (1): 31–43.
  11. ^ "Sapience Institute". Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  12. ^ "Our Team". www.cambridgearabiccollege.org. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  13. ^ How to pronounce the Arabic alphabet! (Video). Mohammed Hijab. 16 June 2015.
  14. ^ a b c d e f g Sawer, Patrick (24 September 2022). "Islamist preacher accused of 'stirring up hatred' in Leicester". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 3 June 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  15. ^ "Mohammed Hijab | Actor". IMDb. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  16. ^ "Mohammed Hijab". Sherdog. Retrieved 6 June 2025.
  17. ^ "Reece Heer vs. Mohammed Hijab". Tapology. Retrieved 6 June 2025.
  18. ^ a b Schleifer, Abdallah, ed. (2025). The Muslim 500: The World's 500 Most Influential Muslims, 2025 (PDF). Amman 11195, Jordan: Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre. p. 196. ISBN 978-9957-635-83-1. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 February 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
  19. ^ "British-American Influencer Andrew Tate Converts To Islam". Middle East Media Research Institute. 29 October 2022. Archived from the original on 29 May 2025.
  20. ^ a b Garfinkel, Imogen (10 October 2024). "Alan Dershowitz says he will sue Mohammed Hijab for calling him a 'pervert' on Piers Morgan show". The Jewish Chronicle.
  21. ^ Mohammed Hijab (21 May 2018). Prof. Norman Finkelstein on Gaza Civilian Massacre. Retrieved 9 June 2025 – via YouTube.
  22. ^ Jordan B Peterson (13 December 2021). Islam and the Possibility of Peace | Mohammed Hijab | EP 209. Retrieved 9 June 2025 – via YouTube.
  23. ^ Jordan B Peterson (17 October 2022). Talking to Muslims About Christ | Mohammed Hijab & Jonathan Pageau | EP 297. Retrieved 9 June 2025 – via YouTube.
  24. ^ ***FULL DEBATE!*** Mohammed Hijab vs. David Wood | Tawheed vs. Trinity. Retrieved 9 June 2025 – via www.youtube.com.
  25. ^ Mohammed Hijab (19 September 2024). HD| Is the Trinity Coherent? | Mohammed Hijab vs Dr. William Lane Craig. Retrieved 9 June 2025 – via YouTube.
  26. ^ Mikhaila Peterson (2 March 2022). Opposing Views: Islam - The End of Europe? | Mohammed Hijab & Ayaan Hirsi Ali 140. Retrieved 9 June 2025 – via YouTube.
  27. ^ Mohammed Hijab (15 May 2019). Islam vs Atheism || Oxford University Forum Debate. Retrieved 9 June 2025 – via YouTube.
  28. ^ "VIDEO: Piers Morgan slammed by Mohammed Hijab over Israel-Hamas war". The News International. 17 October 2023. Archived from the original on 1 June 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  29. ^ Gabsi, Zouhir. "Irony and hyperrealism in media discourses: examining the Israeli-Palestinian 'conflict'". Journal for Cultural Research. 0 (0): 1–22. doi:10.1080/14797585.2024.2446177. ISSN 1479-7585.
  30. ^ Frazer, Jenni (14 December 2023). "Top rabbi reports 'death threat' against his son to FBI". Jewish News.
  31. ^ "'You're not a victim': Rabbi Shmuley and Mohammed Hijab clash over Gaza conflict". Sky News. 17 November 2023.
  32. ^ Al Ahmad, Khaled (18 November 2023). "Mohammed Hijab's triumph: Confrontation with Zionist Rabbi Shmouli Botiak on the Piers Morgan show". Watan.
  33. ^ Bir, Burak (21 November 2023). "'Bravery from Muslims for enforcement of justice key to resolving Israel-Palestine issue'". Anadolu Agency.
  34. ^ Gleeson, Colin (2 March 2023). "Talk by controversial UK preacher at Trinity College cancelled over security fears". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 29 May 2025.
  35. ^ Wolfe, David; Kenny, Ellen; Conneely, Stephen (2 March 2023). "Speaker event featuring "homophobic and misogynistic" YouTube star called off due to security concerns". Trinity News.
  36. ^ Steve Pecar (18 February 2025). "Appearance by controversial Islamic activist at Ontario conference has been cancelled". INsauga. Archived from the original on 29 May 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  37. ^ a b George, Joe Adam (5 February 2025). "Islamist Provocateur to Speak near Toronto". Middle East Forum.
  38. ^ Sanou, Hanneke (20 February 2025). "Cabinet refuses entry to Islamic preachers for "hate speech"". Dutch News. Archived from the original on 1 June 2025. Retrieved 29 May 2025.
  39. ^ Cranium, Crypto (20 February 2025). "Mohammed Hijab Targeted: Zionists Mobilize to Ban Muslim Speakers". Muslim Skeptic.
  40. ^ "Oct. 7 deniers hail 'victory' over Dutch government ban". Jewish News Syndicate. 24 February 2025. Archived from the original on 24 March 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  41. ^ "Written question from Kjell Ingolf Ropstad (Christian Democratic Party) to the Minister of Justice and Public Security". Storting. 15 April 2024.
  42. ^ "Mohammed Hijab: I demand apology from Norwegian MP's libellous accusations". 5Pillars. 18 April 2024. Archived from the original on 28 July 2024.
  43. ^ "UK YouTuber Mohammed Hijab is reportedly instigator-in-chief in Leicester violence". The Tribune. 24 September 2022.
  44. ^ Thomas, Pramod (6 October 2022). "YouTuber Mohammed Hijab accused of stirring Leicester violence says he didn't 'mock' Hindu faith". Eastern Eye. Archived from the original on 1 June 2023.
  45. ^ "YouTuber Mohammed Hijab exclusively speaks to Channel 4 News after being accused of stirring up trouble in Leicester". Channel 4 News. 5 October 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2025.
  46. ^ Murray, Douglas (21 September 2022). "Leicester and the downside with diversity". The Spectator.
  47. ^ "Douglas Murray, 'Spectator' magazine being sued by anti-Israel influencer for defamation". The Jerusalem Post. 13 December 2024.
  48. ^ Prinsley, Jane (12 December 2024). "Mohammed Hijab sues Douglas Murray for defamation". The Jewish Chronicle. Archived from the original on 1 June 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  49. ^ a b "BBC interviews 'we love death' activist on tackling Jew-hate". The Jewish Chronicle. 9 December 2021. Archived from the original on 1 June 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  50. ^ Simons, Jake Wallis (9 December 2021). "'Arrogant' BBC caught in fight with Jews... again". The Jewish Chronicle.
  51. ^ "The BBC has chosen to lie and pick a fight with Jews". The Jewish Chronicle. 9 December 2021.
  52. ^ Mendel, Jack (27 May 2021). "YouTubers accused of 'deliberate incitement' over Golders Green Palestine video". Jewish News.
  53. ^ "Who is Mohammed Hijab?". Campaign Against Antisemitism. 24 December 2024.
  54. ^ "'Churchill was a war criminal,' Islamic leader says in Israel-Gaza war debate". The Jerusalem Post. 17 November 2023.
  55. ^ "StandWithUs Condemns Recent Displays of Hinduphobia in UK". StandWithUs. 21 September 2022. Archived from the original on 1 June 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  56. ^ Sarkar, Shankhyaneel (21 September 2022). "Who Is Mohammed Hijab? 'Public Speaker' with an Anti-Semitic Past and His Role in Leicester Unrest". News18. Archived from the original on 22 July 2023.
  57. ^ "#Watch: How UK Islamist jihadists are openly preaching violence against Hindus". First post. 21 September 2022.
  58. ^ "Communal unrest in Leicester: Is influential Islamist YouTuber Mohammed Hijab inciting Muslims?". First Post. 20 September 2022.
  59. ^ "Islamic preacher Mohammed Hijab, who incited Leicester anti-Hindu violence, desperately tries to give clean chit to Muslim grooming gangs in UK". Hindu Post. 6 January 2025.
  60. ^ "UK YouTuber's past manoeuvres point toward nexus of global jihad: Report". Asian News International. 25 September 2022.
  61. ^ Sixsmith, Ben (6 December 2023). ""Muslim gangsters" and secular ironies". The Critic.
  62. ^ Dampier, Guy (23 September 2022). "Islamist YouTubers take to Leicester's streets". UnHerd.
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