From ISIS Recruit to TikTok Influencer: Tareena Shakil's Unlikely Reinvention
If you encountered Tareena Shakil today, you would never guess that the glamorous, bubbly woman before you holds the distinction of being the first British woman convicted of joining Islamic State. Now 36, Shakil presents herself with long, tousled hair, heavy makeup, and a sharply tailored dress, carrying a Louis Vuitton handbag. Her warm, open demeanor starkly contrasts with the typical image associated with a terrorism conviction. Instead, she embodies the persona of a social media influencer—a role she is actively pursuing on platforms like TikTok.
A Surprising Social Media Presence
Shakil has gained traction on TikTok, where her profile boasts about 50,000 followers. She offers relationship advice, often filmed in her car, speaking directly to the camera. Her content blends humor with practical tips on dating, such as noting that "men are natural born hunters" and warning about the emotional impact of being blocked. Interspersed are darker videos addressing domestic violence, urging viewers to leave abusive partners. While she never directly references her past, Shakil admits, "There's an element of my own experience in most of the videos I make."
This shift to content creation is a surprising turn for someone who first gained notoriety in 2014 by fleeing the UK for Syria with her one-year-old son to join ISIS. She was among an estimated 900 Britons, including about 150 women, who made this journey during ISIS's territorial control. Dubbed "the Towie jihadi" by tabloids, Shakil quickly realized her mistake and escaped after less than three months, but those months have defined her life ever since.
A Chaotic Upbringing and Radicalization
Growing up in Burton upon Trent, Shakil's childhood was marked by instability. Her father had numerous convictions, and she was exposed to violent relationships. Despite being a prefect and studying psychology at university, she dropped out at 20 after marrying, hoping for a "happy ever after" that never materialized. Isolated and in a turbulent marriage, she turned to religion during pregnancy, finding comfort in prayer.
In July 2014, while her husband was abroad, Shakil reactivated her Facebook and connected with a recruiter in Syria. Lured by promises of a simple, spiritual life and escape from her personal struggles, she was groomed online. The recruiter emphasized religious duty and dismissed reports of ISIS violence as western media bias. Shakil admits, "It was about migrating for Islam, and escaping the life I had in England." Driven by vulnerability and a desire to punish her husband, she booked flights to Turkey for herself and her son within weeks.
Escape and Legal Consequences
Upon arriving in Syria, Shakil saw the ISIS flag and realized the gravity of her decision. Placed in a house with other women, she faced pressure to marry and produce fighters. Confined and fearful, she resolved to escape after hearing airstrikes in Raqqa. In January 2015, she bribed a taxi driver and fled with her son, crossing into Turkey with help from soldiers.
Back in the UK, Shakil was arrested and charged with joining ISIS and encouraging terrorism. During her trial, jurors saw messages and photos, including one of her son with an AK-47. She was found guilty and sentenced to six years in prison. In custody, she engaged in rehabilitation programs, including therapy and deradicalization, redefining her faith with the help of a prison imam.
Rebuilding Life and Online Influence
Released in 2019 after serving half her sentence, Shakil faced strict probation terms, including an ankle tag and curfew. She worked multiple jobs, from cleaner to admin assistant, and gradually rebuilt contact with her son. Despite public scrutiny, she chose to share her story through a documentary and media appearances, framing her experience as grooming.
Now, Shakil uses TikTok to promote self-respect and dating advice, aiming to inspire others. "I've been through it and I'm proof you can make it out the other side," she says. While monitored by police until 2034, she embraces her independence: "I think I'm my own knight in shining armor. I don't need anyone to save me anymore. I saved myself." Her journey raises complex questions about redemption, second chances, and the possibility of transformation after infamy.
