‘Steven Greer’s thoroughly researched and persuasively argued book offers a compelling repost to the current campaign to denounce any criticism of Muslims and Islam as “Islamophobic”. Islam, like all religions or beliefs, must be open to criticism including blasphemy, a cornerstone of free expression’. 

— Maryam Namazie, Iranian-born campaigner and Spokesperson for the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain and One Law for All.

‘Professor Greer’s book makes a convincing and impressive contribution to the global debate about “Islamophobic expression”. Unsparing yet measured, the author’s wide-ranging insights – sparked by his own bitter experience of false accusations to say nothing of the accompanying institutional cowardice – is a must-read for anyone concerned about the assault upon free speech in the west’. 

— Dr Patrick Nash, Founding Director of the Pharos Foundation.

‘In order to advance their warped and malign cause, militant Islamic fundamentalists eagerly exploit confusion about the difference between the expression of anti-Muslim prejudice and responsible critical engagement with the faith and its followers. This splendid book calls their bluff by drawing the distinction with authoritative precision. It should be required reading for all Muslims as well as those of other religions and none’.

— Dr Taj Hargey, Imam of the Oxford Islamic Congregation and Provost of the Oxford Institute for British Islam.

‘With problematic “anti-Islamophobia codes” being enforced in many ways, accusations of Islamophobia being weaponised to silence legitimate criticism of Muslim beliefs, practices, and conduct, and the government considering an official definition, we are perilously close to the introduction of an Islamic blasphemy law in the UK. It is, therefore, great to see Professor Steven Greer bringing his erudite skill and pointed legal analysis to bear in an authoritative and persuasive study which anyone who cares about free speech should urgently read’. 

— Tim Dieppe, Head of Public Policy, Christian Concern, and author of The Challenge of Islam.

‘Steven Greer’s new book is a valuable, scholarly, and accessible examination of the conflict between “Islamophobia” and free speech. Unique in its scope and written by a man who knows all too well whereof he speaks this book is essential reading for all those who wish to understand one of today’s most vexing issues’. 

— Daniel Sharp, Editor, The Freethinker.

‘Professor Greer’s excellent study comes at a critical juncture as confusion mounts about how to distinguish between, on the one hand, legitimate criticism of Islam and its followers and, on the other, escalating anti-Muslim hatred and prejudice. It not only provides much needed clarity on where this line should be drawn; it should also be essential reading for anyone who cherishes the increasingly endangered right to freedom of  speech’. 

— Hardeep Singh, Deputy-Director for the Network of Sikh Organisations, Assistant Editor of The Sikh Messenger, and author of ’Islamophobia’ Revisited. 

‘This welcome and authoritative study demonstrates how false accusations of Islamophobia, and the fear of being denounced as an Islamophobe, are censoring lawful and legitimate debate in Britain and elsewhere. Greer powerfully and eloquently argues that, in the UK context, people should be able to voice the same kind of criticism of Islam and its adherents as can legitimately be made in respect of any faith or ideology and those who subscribe to it. Required reading for anyone concerned about the free speech crisis sweeping the west’. 

— William Makesy, Director, Alumni for Free Speech.

‘In our topsy-turvy age, supposedly “liberal” forces in the West are not only silent when it comes to the suppression of legitimate criticism of Muslims and Islam but have linked arms in furthering it. This splendid book’s compelling message could not be simpler: neither Muslims nor Islam are above criticism and indeed cannot be. Its publication also serves as a grim and much-needed reminder that, by failing to uphold freedom of expression in this and other ways, the West risks destroying itself’.

— Rahul Sur, former UN Chief of Peacekeeping Evaluation, former Inspector General of Police in Maharashtra and Deputy Commissioner of Police in Mumbai, India.

‘This book provides a timely, unflinching, and authoritative examination of one of the most emotive issues of our age. Reviewing the history and teachings of Islam, providing copious studies of recent controversies, and linking theoretical discussions with their practical – and particularly legal – implications, the author highlights the urgent need to address conflicts between faith, identity, and fundamental rights in our diverse society. A must-read for policymakers, scholars, activists, and anyone interested in the current debate’.

— Stephen Evans, Chief Executive Officer, National Secular Society, UK.

‘Amongst many other things, Steven Greer’s excellent book breaks the wall of silence concerning the risks posed to liberal democracy by “political Islam” which seeks to shield itself from scrutiny by penetrating western public institutions and dominating public discourse. Indispensable reading for experts and the wider public alike’. 

— Achilles Skordas, Emeritus Professor, University of Bristol, and Senior Research Affiliate, Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law, Heidelberg, Germany.

‘This timely and fascinating book reminds us that we are at a critical juncture in our political life. The author’s forensic and penetrating analysis warns us that we can either elevate “causing any offence to religious sensitivities” into a “right” policed by violence and intimidation, or we can defend the ideal of freedom of expression as a centre piece of democracy and human rights. Greer makes an unanswerable case for the latter’. 

— Pragna Patel, Director of Project Resist and former Director of Southall Black Sisters. 

Steven Greer is Emeritus Professor at the University of Bristol Law School and Research Director at the Oxford Institute for British Islam. He studied law at the University of Oxford, sociology at the London School of Economics and Political Science, and holds a PhD in law from the Queen’s University of Belfast. In a career spanning nearly 40 years, he has taught and delivered numerous papers throughout the UK and abroad, including in China and at Harvard Law School. He has published widely, particularly in the fields of criminal justice, human rights, and law and terrorism. Two of his books were shortlisted for prestigious prizes. He has also acted as consultant/advisor to various organizations, written for national and regional newspapers in the UK and Ireland, and appeared on numerous radio and TV stations.