Nahiem Ajmal

Nahiem Ajmal (born ), commonly known by the Abu Layth, is a British Islamic scholar. A Mufti, Ajmal has been the subject of criticism from other Islamic scholars for many perceivedly heterodox views.

Early life and education Ajmal was born in to a British Pakistani family. He studied Islamic theology first at the Damascus University and then at Jamia Darul Uloom, Karachi, where he memorised the Qur'an. Besides this, he has studied psychology He speaks five languages, including Arabic and Urdu. He is based in Birmingham.

Views Jurisprudence Despite a conservative education, Ajmal has been known to prefer his own views to conservative doctrine when deriving fiqh rulings, often satirising mainstream, widely held positions. In particular, he is known for issuing (Islamic legal opinions) on social media where he has a large following.

Theology In his sessions he also answers theological questions, such as, "Do we accept hadith if they contradict the Qur'an?"

Politics Ajmal supports peaceful relations between Israel and Palestine via a two-state solution. He suggests the two-state solution, arguing that such a pragmatic attempt at resolution is not un-Islamic. He argues to this effect that Islam has for a long time had the goal of mitigating suffering and establishing justice, even at times with compromise. On 17 May 2021, Ajmal's house in Birmingham was invaded by a mob, accusing him of supporting Israel, which Ajmal denied.

Ajmal was invited to the White House in recognition of his anti-terror work. He has also been described as a key figure locally in the UK's counter-extremism Prevent strategy.

Criticism, controversy and criminal conviction Abu Layth's views has caused criticism and denunciations. English Islamic scholar Muhammad Yasir al-Hanafi labelled him a ("deceiver") due to Ajmal's satirical approach and boldness in front of fundamentalist preachers. Others accuse him of "mocking the " and have stated he has "no ", with some criticising in particular his choice of topics in his live streams, especially when he covers topics with a rational point of view.

During the Park View School Trojan Horse scandal, Ajmal was a part-time tutor at the school. In a statement, the police revealed however that Ajmal was involved in Prevent. After this was revealed, Ajmal was promptly suspended by the school. The police's statement, Ajmal argued, had jeopardised his safety.

Criminal charges In 2015, he was jailed for six months for his role in a plot which saw a police officer try to access restricted information about a woman who had fled her husband. Ajmal asked the officer if he could “pull any slippery strings” in order to locate the woman.