Starting his career in social work, Edgar received a PhD from the University of Keele, where he studied under Ronnie Frankenberg.

In his 2004 book, A Guide to Imagework: Imagination-Based Research Methods (Routledge),[2] he identifies several techniques for producing data about identity, belief and society through the exploration of people's imaginative resources.

[3] This book contributes to the understanding of the importance of dreams within both textual Islam and in every day Muslim life.

Edgar extended his analysis to contribute to a better understanding of the ways that jihadi groups used dreams to justify and determine specific actions.

Edgar argued that Islamic State fighters relied, at least in part, on dreams as a window into the future, and to help them make decisions when they lacked complete information.