Letter to Idris Elba Concerning Knife Crime

Dear Mr. Elba,

I hope this letter finds you well. First and foremost, I want to commend you for speaking out on the serious issue of knife crime in the UK. Your efforts to raise awareness and seek solutions are truly admirable, and it is refreshing to see someone of your influence addressing the crisis affecting so many young lives.

However, while I agree with your concerns, I believe the proposed solutions—such as limiting knife advertisements and redesigning kitchen knives—do not address the root causes of the problem. The issue runs far deeper than access to knives; it is about the culture that glorifies violence, gang affiliation, and a dangerous “get rich or die trying” mentality.

As an actor, you have portrayed characters that reflect this very lifestyle—whether it was Tango in American Gangster, Mumbles in RocknRolla, or Gordon Jennings in Takers. These portrayals contribute to the glorification of gang culture, postcode wars, and the pursuit of fast money at any cost. It is not simply entertainment—it is the normalisation and glorification of these lifestyles in films, rap music, and social media that influence behaviour and shape the mindset of young people. All movies and popular culture are reflective of the society they emerge from, and it is this deeper cultural reality that needs to be addressed.

The prevalence of gang culture, postcode wars, and the relentless pursuit of fast money are not just fictional narratives—they are symptoms of a wider societal issue. However, the media and social media play a significant role in shaping, reinforcing, and amplifying these destructive values. We must ask, are we ready to ban rap stars glorifying violence, drugs, and sex? Are we ready to ban all movies that do the same? This conundrum lies at the heart of multi-billion-pound industries that prioritise profit over the safety and sanctity of our youth, unwilling to cut back on their toxic messages for the greater good. Until we confront this contradiction, we will continue to perpetuate the cycle of violence and crime that harms so many young people.

More importantly, these issues are so prevalent in Western societies because the family unit has been systematically eroded by an economic system that forces most families to live hand to mouth. The proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” is one that both you and I can relate to, given our roots in Africa, yet today’s society has abandoned this principle. Young people feel lost, unsupported, and disconnected from the family structures that once provided them with guidance and discipline. The relentless cost of living, unattainable housing, and broken relationships only deepen their sense of alienation, making crime not just an escape but, in some cases, a perceived necessity.

At the same time, traditional family roles have been dismantled. Raising responsible children is no longer seen as a noble or valued pursuit, particularly for women. Instead, feminism has fostered a culture of competition between men and women, where success is measured by outdoing one another rather than working together to build strong families. Meanwhile, children—caught in the crossfire of this societal shift—are left vulnerable to social ills, whether through the unfiltered exposure of their screens or the dangers of the streets. This breakdown of the family structure has stripped young people of the support, love, discipline, and moral framework they so desperately need, leaving them susceptible to a world that offers them nothing but chaos in return.

Islam, for example, teaches the sanctity of life, condemns gang culture and drug culture, and upholds strong family values. The absence of these elements in modern Western societies has left a moral vacuum, where personal gratification trumps community and responsibility. Furthermore, a lenient justice system with weak consequences has only emboldened criminal behaviour. If there are no real deterrents, why would someone think twice before carrying a knife?

Whilst I am proposing Islam as a solution to knife crime, it is with great sadness that I acknowledge the high percentage of young Muslims involved in knife crime. However, this is not because of Islam—on the contrary, it is the result of abandoning Islamic values and instead adopting the same liberal values that fuel crime and social decay. When faith, family, and discipline are replaced with materialism, individualism, and lawlessness, it should come as no surprise that the same destructive behaviours follow.

If we truly want to combat knife crime, we need more than surface-level policies. We need to challenge the toxic liberal culture that celebrates violence, rebuild the importance of family and community, and instil Islamic values that prioritise responsibility over recklessness. These are the discussions that need to happen.

I would encourage you, Mr. Elba, to embark on a journey to discover Islam and explore how its balanced system fosters a harmonious society. In Islam, the tension between economics and social cohesion is not a constant struggle; rather, it promotes a societal structure where the well-being of the community takes precedence. The penal code ensures justice without the need for retribution, focusing instead on healing and supporting the families of victims. Moreover, Islam teaches a form of governance where politics is not driven by profits but by a genuine concern for the people. By exploring these values, you may find insights into creating a more balanced and compassionate narrative that addresses the root causes of crime and disillusionment.

Sincerely,
M Khan

R3RUN Editor