A London-based Islamic preacher has reportedly claimed his intentions to establish a self-governing Islamic state on a remote Scottish island.
Sheikh Yasser al-Habib, the 45-year-old leader of the Mahdi Servants Union (MSU) aimed to purchase a 270-acre island off the coast of western Scotland, with plans to build a school, hospital, and Shia seminary under strict Sharia law. Al-Habib had raised nearly £3 million of his £3.5 million target for the purchase.
Al-Habib described the island as an “irreplaceable opportunity” to create a “homeland” for his followers, promising to negotiate with the UK government to allow global Muslim visitors.
“There are three islands, once you see the islands they will take your mind away and you will fall in love with them,” he explained. “This is my calling for all believers, male and female, who believe in God.”
However, when word broke of the proposal it immediately faced faced significant backlash in the country. Alastair Redman, a councillor for the Kintyre and Islands ward, condemned the idea as “immoral.”
“The fact that he wants to involve an idyllic setting in prejudiced preaching is simply unacceptable. Redman said. “There is no place for that, we should all be able to get on.”
Following the backlash, recent developments have cast doubt on the validity of al-Habib’s initial plans. Sources have suggested that the purchase may be a fundraising scheme rather than a legitimate effort. According to The Telegraph, a source described the plans as “conjured bullsh*t,” claiming there has been no contact regarding the island since last autumn.
“The island is absolutely not being sold to this cleric. This appears to be a fundraising effort rather than anything based in reality,” the source said. “People who support this character should be asking questions about how legitimate the fundraising is because there is certainly no serious attempt by them to buy the island.”
The listing agents for the island confirmed that the sale was not at an advanced stage with any buyer, and the island remains available for sale.
“Contrary to recent press articles regarding Torsa, this sale is not at an advanced stage with any buyer. Rather the island remains for sale and continues to attract widespread attention,” the agents said. “Who ultimately buys will be a decision for the owners who have always said they hope to find the right buyer who will continue to enjoy this haven as their family have done for generations.”
Al-Habib has an extensive history in the UK of controversial statements and stoking religious tension. In 2021, he released a film depicting the daughter of the Prophet Mohammad and claiming she was the first victim of terrorism. The film was subsequently pulled from screenings in the UK by Cineworld following protests from Muslim Groups. More recently, he has made inflammatory comments about the October 7 Hamas attack on Israeli civilians, expressing support for retaliation against “the Zionist enemy.”
