Shamima Begum is a British-born woman who gained notoriety for joining the terror group Islamic State (IS) at a young age. Born on August 25, 1999, Shamima Begum hails from London, United Kingdom. As in 2025, Shamima Begum's age is 25 years. Check below for more deets about Shamima Begum. Learn more about Shamima Begum facts, biography, age, birthday, trivia and more.
Shamima Begum Profile:
| Stage Name | Shamima Begum |
| Real Name | Shamima Begum |
| Profession(s) | |
| Birthday | August 25, 1999 |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Age | 25 years |
| Gender | Female |
| Birthplace | London, United Kingdom |
| Hometown | London, England, United Kingdom |
| Nationality | British |
Shamima Begum Family | |
| Father: | Not Available |
| Mother: | Not Available |
| Brother(s): | Not Available |
| Sister(s): | Not Available |
Family and Personal Life
- Shamima Begum‘ father’s name is Not Available and Shamima Begum‘ mother’s name is Not Available.
Shamima Begum Trivia
- Shamima Begum was born in London, United Kingdom.
- Shamima Begum’s birth sign is Virgo.
- Early Life: Shamima Begum, born on August 25, 1999, in England, grew up in the Bethnal Green area of Tower Hamlets in East London. Raised in a Muslim family of Bangladeshi origin, she received her secondary education at the Bethnal Green Academy. From a young age, Begum was exposed to the cultural richness and diversity of her community, shaping her identity as a British citizen of Bangladeshi descent.
- Travel to Syria: In February 2015, Begum, then 15, embarked on a journey that would dramatically alter the course of her life. With her friends Amira Abase and Kadiza Sultana, she made the fateful decision to leave the UK and travel to the heart of conflict-torn Syria. Their perilous journey led them through Turkey, which serves as a gateway to the war-torn landscapes of Islamic State (IS)-controlled territories.
- Activities In Syria: Within days of arriving in Syria, Begum was thrust into the terrifying reality of life under the Islamic State’s rule. She became entangled in a world of violence, indoctrination, and coercion, far from the comforts and security of her upbringing in London. Begum’s decision to marry Yago Riedijk, a Dutch-born IS member, at the age of 15 highlighted the harsh realities faced by vulnerable people in conflict zones.
- Legal battles: Begum’s return to the public eye in February 2019, when she was discovered at the Al-Hawl refugee camp in Northern Syria, sparked a heated legal debate. British Home Secretary Sajid Javid’s quick decision to revoke her British citizenship shook the legal and political worlds. Begum’s subsequent legal challenges, which sought to overturn the citizenship revocation and secure her return to the UK, marked the start of a lengthy legal saga.
- Court Proceedings: The legal battle unfolded against a backdrop of complex legal arguments, security concerns, and humanitarian considerations. Begum’s legal team fought hard for her right to a fair trial, emphasizing her role as a victim of radicalization and coercion. However, the courts remained steadfast in their commitment to prioritizing national security interests, ultimately dismissing Begum’s appeal.
- Current Situation: As the legal dust settles, Begum finds herself in a state of limbo, stranded in the Roj refugee camp in Syria, devoid of citizenship and legal recourse. She remains stateless, caught in the crossfire of geopolitical tensions, legal complexities, and personal tragedy.
- Public Opinion: Begum’s case has polarized public opinion, sparking heated debates about citizenship, terrorism, and human rights. Some see her as a victim of circumstance, while others see her as a threat to national security, highlighting the complexities and contentious nature of her situation.
- Global response: Begum’s plight has reverberated far beyond the UK’s borders, highlighting broader international issues such as terrorism, extremism, and citizenship rights. It has prompted reflection and action among governments, NGOs, and international organizations dealing with similar dilemmas in the aftermath of ISIS’s influence.
- Humanitarian concerns: Amidst the legal wrangling and political posturing, humanitarian concerns dominate, emphasizing the critical need to address the plight of vulnerable individuals such as Begum. Her situation exemplifies the larger humanitarian crises unfolding in conflict zones, emphasizing the importance of providing aid, support, and protection to those in need.
- Personal Reflection: Begum’s tumultuous journey serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and tragedies wrought by extremism, conflict, and displacement. It prompts introspection and empathy, challenging prevailing narratives and stereotypes surrounding individuals caught in the crosshairs of terrorism and conflict.
- Lessons Learned: The case of Shamima Begum offers valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of radicalization, coercion, and vulnerability in the context of terrorism. It underscores the imperative of adopting comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of extremism while safeguarding human rights and civil liberties.
- Hope for Resolution: Despite the legal setbacks and uncertainties, there remains a glimmer of hope for a resolution that balances justice, security, and compassion. Advocates continue to champion Begum’s cause, calling for nuanced approaches that prioritize rehabilitation, reconciliation, and reintegration into society.
- Legacy: Regardless of the outcome, Begum’s case leaves an indelible mark on legal jurisprudence, public policy, and societal attitudes towards issues of citizenship, terrorism, and human rights. It serves as both a cautionary tale and a catalyst for change, encouraging reflection on the ongoing challenges and moral quandaries inherent in the fight against extremism.
- Personal Reflection: Shamima Begum’s story evokes empathy, controversy, and reflection on the circumstances that led her to join ISIS and the challenges she faces in seeking repatriation and justice. It prompts broader questions about societal responses to radicalization, rehabilitation, and reintegration of individuals associated with terrorist organizations.
- Calls for Action: Begum’s case has sparked calls for policy changes, legal safeguards, and international collaboration to address the complex challenges posed by extremism and terrorism. Advocates emphasize the importance of comprehensive strategies that prioritize both security and human rights concerns in dealing with the aftermath of ISIS’s influence.
- Hope for Resolution: Despite the legal setbacks, there remains hope for a resolution that ensures justice, rehabilitation, and reintegration for individuals like Shamima Begum, while also safeguarding national security interests. Her case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in navigating the complexities of terrorism, citizenship, and human rights in the modern world.
FAQs
Who is Shamima Begum?
Shamima Begum, a British-born woman, rose to prominence after joining the terrorist group Islamic State (IS) at a young age.
How old is Shamima Begum?
Shamima Begum was born on 25 August 1999, which makes her 24 years old.
What did Shamima Begum do?
Shamima Begum left the UK in February 2015, at the age of 15, along with two schoolmates to join the Islamic State in Syria.
Why was Shamima Begum banned from the UK?
Shamima Begum was banned from the UK after her British citizenship was revoked by the British Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, due to her association with the Islamic State.
What led to Shamima Begum’s citizenship revocation?
Shamima Begum’s British citizenship was revoked over concerns of national security and her affiliation with the Islamic State terrorist group.