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I am happy that brother Idris is with us today, I want to ask you directly, what are the challenges of Imams in Uk and Europe ?
Answer
Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu. Thank you very much for your question.
I think, first of all, that we should look at the answer in terms of opportunities as well as challenges. There are many opportunities for Muslims in Britain, and indeed in the whole of Europe, which we must never forget. It is easy to concentrate on the bad news all the time, but there is much to be hopeful about and thankful for, alhamdulillah.
One of the greatest challenges (and opportunities) which imams face is how best to support and encourage the Muslim community in Britain, helping them to be better Muslims and a real faith community, in a society which is not always supportive of Islam or of faith. In fact, at the present time, the media is quite openly hostile to Islam, because of the foolish remarks of leaders who should know better.
In this atmosphere, then, imams have to face a number of problems. For example, limited access in all parts of the country to Halal food and opportunities to dress in an Islamic way do not make it easy to live as Muslims. Finding the right schools for one's children to be brought up in a way that is not contrary to the ways Muslims want to be brought up is not always easy. Finding places to pray at work is not always without problems. The atmosphere in workplaces is not always supportive of prayer and faith. In all of this, Imams must try to lead their communities on a straight path.
So that is just one type of challenge. Another is that imams are not always adequately prepared for working in a society they do not come from, helping their communities to preserve their Islamic identity, whilst playing a full part in the society itself.
I think that as we go on with the Live Dialogue we can elaborate more on the challenges and the opportunities.
Name
Hamad
- Bahrain
Profession
Question
Tell us about your last visit to UK and the discussions with the Imams there
Answer
Asalaamu alaykum, brother. Thankyou for your question.
Before I answer it I would like to make something clear. I received an email from a brother in the UK, asking how someone in Egypt could claim to comment on affairs in Britain. It is a fair point, but I did point out that I am a British citizen, I have lived for over forty years in the UK, have taught for twenty years in British schools and that many of my family and friends are still in the UK. No matter how long I live in Egypt and how much I consider it my home, I still care very deeply about the land of my birth.
In answer to your question, then. I visited the UK just over a month ago at the invitation of FOSIS (the Federation of Student Islamic Societies of the UK and Ireland) and I spoke at different universities up and down the country. Whilst talking with Muslim and non-Muslim students, I also met the Muslim chaplains of some of these universities and the imams of some mosques in England, Scotland and Wales.
It was in direct response to what these imams discussed with me that we are having this Live Dialogue. They pointed out that, from their own experience, it is becoming increasingly difficult for imams from abroad to come to Britain and be prepared for the mission facing them.
For example, they may be excellently trained in the Qur'an, but their English might not be as excellent. Their knowledge of Muslim manners might be second to none, but their understanding of British customs and the British way of life less so.
In consequence, we talked about ways in which imams could be better helped to come to the UK. The tests in English and other matters which they need to pass to acquire the necessary documents are sometimes very demanding. Surely, they suggested, if Britain wants good imams in British mosques there should be adequate and helpful training for them before they arrive.
I promised that I would raise these issues immediately on my return to Egypt. In consequence, I have been received very well and have held discussions with the embassies of Canada
and the United States and have spoken with eminent scholars at Al-Azhar. I am still waiting for some other embassies to offer help and suggestions.
Name
Bahaa
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
You said in one of your answers “ how best to support and encourage the Muslim community in Britain, helping them to be better Muslims and a real faith community”
Then I am asking you : what do you mean by better Muslims and a real faith community ? and what will they do if they can not do that in UK for example ? or what if the European countries are not the right place to do that?
Answer
Asalaamu alaykum. Thank you for your question.
Not being able to live as better Muslims and a real faith community in the UK and the rest of Europe is not an option. The vast majority of Muslims in Britain are British citizens, so they have every right to be allowed to practice their faith.
By being better Muslims, I mean Muslims who are faithful to prayer and to the life and example of our beloved Prophet(peace be upon him). By being a real faith community, I mean a community which lives with Almighty Allah as its centre and its head. It should not be a community divided by cultural or ethnic differences, since that only plays into the hands of those who would subvert the sweet and gentle message of Islam.
How wonderful it would be if the rest of Britain were so impressed by the way Muslims lead their lives. How marvelous it would be if they could spot Muslims in the street, not just by the way they dress but by the way they behave and speak. If only we could live as better Muslims, those in power in of Britain and the rest of Europe would sit up and listen to what we have to say.
Communities, though, also need excellent leaders, and I believe that there is a lot more we can do to help imams in the UK to be precisely that. Their tireless work on behalf of Islam could be helped even more if we give good training and in-service support to those who lead the Muslim faithful.
Name
Mohammed
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
who is the bad Imam in Europe ?
Answer
Asalaamu alaykum.
I don't think that talking of 'bad' imams is very helpful. Some people are naturally more gifted at speaking or organizing things or giving advice than others. Mosques are under a great responsibility in choosing well when they invite someone to be their imam. They should look for someone who is excellent both in knowledge and in example.
A good imam is excellent in both of these and he cares for the people he ministers to. As a community we, too, should care for those who fulfil the role of imam, helping them as best we can.
Name
star
- Denmark
Profession
Question
you are living in Egypt now , Is it easy for you to talk with the Egyptians about Islam and to be an Imam there ? Does it work ? even if you can speak Arabic ?
Answer
Asalaamu alaykum. Thank you for your question.
I have always found, alhamdulillah, that those who listen to my thoughts and ideas are most kind and receptive. For example, last week I led a group of students from one of Cairo's universities around some of the Islamic treasures in Cairo, which they knew little of. Two days ago I spoke about Islam with a group of Bedouin tribesmen who accepted me as their brother. This afternoon, I spoke with a group of educated Muslims about the Gospels and their meaning.
I thank Almighty Allah that there is plenty of work to do and that people are most receptive. By the way, I learn far more than I teach!
Name
Bahaa
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
I got your idea but I think the European countries will share you the same definition of the good Muslim community . the majority wants Muslims to melt in the European societies and not to pray .. I think it will be difficult job for imams .. thank you Idris
Answer
Asalaamu alaykum. Thank you for your comment.
I do feel very strongly that Muslims have the same right to speak as anyone else. They are not rocking the boat, since it is their own boat! I do not wish any Muslim to melt into anything. We need to preserve our Muslim identity and be proud of it, but we have an equal right to play a part in every aspect of the society in which we live. You are right that imams have a very difficult path to walk. All the more reason, then, for us to train them well.
No one wants imams who will just do as they are told by the government, but neither do we want imams who encourage us not to be part of our own society. Inshallah, we will find the best ways of training and in-service support.
Name
lalasally
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
our local mosque seems cliquey and unfriendly,for instance when they open late they tell some people and not others.to ask questions is looked upon as disrespectful and almost disruptive we are going through some tough times right now and need support.should we go to a mosque in a different area or persist here?
Answer
Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu. Your question is excellent.
It is important to remember that your local mosque is your mosque - it does not 'belong' to someone else. Having mosques that are open and supportive of all Muslims, regardless of their age or their gender or their ethnic background, is exactly what we need in Britain.
Those who would vilify Islam as a religion of fanatics and terrorists use every chance to divide Muslims. Perhaps the reason they are not offering help in the training of imams is that they don't want imams to be trained. Perhaps it serves their needs better if only extreme examples are the ones which attract television coverage, instead of the selfless and prayerful men who give their lives in the service of Islam.
I don't think we should give up on our local mosque. This is a trial we must face, but if we all gave up so easily, we wouod be left only with mosques for like-minded people or who share the same ethnic beckground.
You are right, times are indeed tough in Britain for British Muslims. My whole point is that we need good, well-trained leaders in our Muslim community. Leadership in Islam comes from the mosque, not from those who for whatever well-intentioned reason, sit on government committees or task forces. It is all the more important, then, for us to invest time and money into training our leaders and our future leaders.
You have as much right to speak in your mosque community as any other brother or sister. You know, by offering help to the imam you might find that he is glad of such help.
Name
Yusef
- United Kingdom
Profession
Teacher
Question
Brother Idris, you live in Egypt, where a lot of our imams come from. In your experience, does the british government do enough in places like Egypt to help imams who come to work in the UK?
Answer
Asalaamu alaykum, brother. Thank you for your question.
I will be quite honest with you and say that I don't think that it does half enough. The government talks a lot about promoting tolerance and understanding, and about Britain being a multi-cultural society, but I think it is a lot of talk.
I can accept that the role of any foreign diplomatic mission is to promote the interests of its country. No one, after all, owes Islam anything. But I think it is very short-sighted not to work together with Muslims of good will. Such a partnership would benefit British Muslims and the whole of British society.
It seems to me that so much of British Foreign policy is directed at curing ills once they have appeared, rather than sorting out problems before they arise.
The government should invest time, energy and money into training programmes which will prepare imams well for their role in Britain. I don't mean prepare them to serve the government, but to serve the people of Britain, of whom Muslims form a considerable part.
Smiling and shaking hands with Muslims for the press will not get to the root of many of the problems faced by British society. Perhaps this is why so many of the foreign policy initiatives are such a failure, and led by others.
Name
Ahmed
- Denmark
Profession
Question
why do you think that Imams in the UK are facing challenges?
Answer
Asalaamu alaykum, brother.
To lead anyone on the straight path, guiding them by good deeds and good example to be perfect in the way they behave and speak, is indeed a challenge. It is a great responsibility for which our Muslim leaders will one day have to answer before Almighty Allah.
Doing all this in the context of a society in which spiritual values are made to seem unimportant is additionally difficult. Doing so in a society where even government ministers make well-chosen remarks, aimed at marginalizing the Muslim community and making Muslims be quiet and toe the line, is next to impossible.
Next to impossible, that is, unless Almighty Allah were not at the centre of our faith. Those who would silence the message of Islam will never prosper.
Imams in the UK, then, need to be equipped with all the skills necessary for their mission.
Name
Bashir
- Nigeria
Profession
Question
Assalamu alaikum respected scholar. I would like to add on this beautiful caption. The challenges facing Imams in UK are nothing more than facing the challenges with reality and for the sake of God. It's very important to note here that there are quite number of Muslims in UK who are not much caring and adherence to their religion. The fact still remained static that the religion of God will proper with or with out any support from any body. Imams should focus much on youth as a target audience. If youths should be fully equipped with the antiques of Islam, all the has been achieved.
Answer
Asalaamu alaykum, brother.
Our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) exhorted us to "tie your camel and then trust in Allah." In other words, we should do everything we possibly can in any given situation, then we hand our efforts over to Almighty Allah.
I do very much believe that we need to focus on youth. One of the many challenges faced by our imams is that of supporting and encouraging young Muslims. After all, they are our future. Young people can very easily be swayed and easily misled. We need to take the greatest care in giving good example and good teaching to our young people.
A community that takes care of its young people has a future. A community that does not has none.
Name
Mohammed
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
we need a list of what we can call the needed skills to be an Imam in Europe ? How to be a good Imam in Europe ?
Answer
Imams should be chosen, of course, for the excellence of their behavior and knowledge.
There are other skills, too, which can help. Not everyone will aquire all of them in this world!
As well as being a counselor, prayer-leader, community leader, teacher, organizer, public relations spokesman and all round good example, the kind of training we might offer for imams could include simple things like:
public speaking skills
communication skills
language training
knowledge about their new country
I am actively seeking ways of providing training courses which will give imams an adequate understanding of the countries they are going to. Aside from their religious training, they desperately need to understand the people and society among whom they will work. answer your questions, and all those who participated in this live dialogue.
Name
Begum Shofiq
- Bangladesh
Profession
Question
Salaam;
what Imams can say about Jihad ? If they tell Brit Muslims to go to Iraq , police can arrest Imams. What can they do ?
Answer
Asalaamu alaykum. Thank you for your question.
I think that there is a lot more for British imams to do before telling Muslims to go to Iraq! The greatest jihad we all face as Muslims is to struggle daily for the sake of Allah. I am constantly inspired by the heroic way many Muslims in Britain live their lives in obedience to Allah in a society which lives in a way contrary to many of the principles of Islam.
A father, for example, has an heroic struggle to bring up his children as good Muslims when he is surrounded by drunkenness in the streets and pornography on the television. Helping his young son or daughter to pray, when their schoolmates are drinking or smoking, or worse, is indeed jihad.
As for Iraq, Muslims should make their voices loud and clear, as they should speak out on any issue which concerns them. When Members of Parliament insult their sisters they should vote them out of office. When companies support the Jewish state in Palestine, Muslims should boycott such companies. Money talks - and Muslims in the UK have a lot of spending power. As Muslims we should learn to use every legitimate means of protest and of making our voices heard. There is no need for us to resort to extreme measures, when there are plenty of things we are not doing already.
Imams have a role in showing Muslims just how they can use their democratic voice to make the Muslim voice heard. Muslims, too, should involve themselves in politics at a local and national level and should write to whichever official needs to hear them - be it a secretary or an ambassador!!
Name
Hassan
- United Kingdom
Profession
engineer
Question
Why do we have foreign imams? Isn't it better to have British-born imams for British Muslims?
Answer
Asalaamu alaykum.
It isn't quite as simple as your question suggests. Muslim communities want to find themselves the best imams, well versed in the holy Qur'an and in every aspect of Islamic life. If these imams come from London or from Jeddah, the most important thing is that the best one be chosen.
We must never fall into the trap of those who talk about "British Muslims," as though they were a breed apart from Muslims in the rest of the world. I have never heard anyone talk about Egyptian Muslims or Algerian Muslims. Muslims in Britain, who are full members of their society, have need of good imams, regardless of where they are from.
I hope that this Live Dialogue has prompted one or two people to think of what our Muslim communities need and what our imams need to best serve these communities.
We should try to support our local imams as best as we all can, showing them both respect and friendship.
We should also provide the very best raining in every sphere for those who would take on the role of imam in our mosques in the UK. This will include support networks for those who work as imams, putting them in touch with others who can help them. Support networks also means providing some social support - it is a heavy burden to lead a community. We also need to give them access to good speakers and trainers who can visit their mosques.
Above all, we need imams in the UK to feel comfortable in the society in which they live, able to converse freely and coherently and convincingly, if necessary, with other faith leaders or with press or TV. They need to be men of faith, inshallah, who know how to use all the facilities available in our modern world to speak the message of Islam in a sweet and gentle way.
I urge all of those who have a stake in this to come together and to work together for the best interests of Britain and for Muslims in Britain. Condemning terrorism and crying over spilt milk is not enough. We need to tackle the root causes of all the problems in our society, allowing all of our citizens an equal opportunity to play a full part in the country which is their home.
Name
Editor
-
Profession
Question
-
Answer
The session has ended. We would like to thank Mr. Idris Tawfiq for taking the time to answer your questions, and all those who participated in this live dialogue.
