Good discussion in this thread. Very interesting and great to have some of our Muslim members answering questions.
The story of Q's friend isn't far from that of gang recruitment of teenagers. Young, self esteem issues, a feeling of separation from those around you and ultimately coping with that by rejecting society and its norms. Eventually kids gravitate to something that gives them belonging and a sense of power and importance.
I expect this sort of thing is even easier to drift into in the Internet age, where virtual connections are easily made and may be more powerful and influential than real social connections (which are weakening and may be negative).
I think there are lots of people who feel they don't belong, or are outsiders, even if it's just in their own minds. They're looking for something that validates them and gives them purpose and importance. Add some political/religious leanings and the leap from angry outsider to religious radical shrinks away.
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