What do you mean by Muslim integration in Europe and what should Muslims in Europe do to be integrated?
Answer
We need to face reality; Muslims who live in Europe, especially those who are born or brought up in Europe should consider Europe as their home; should accept European people as their own people and should share in the happiness and sadness of European community. This must be done regardless of faith and background. Integration here means Muslims living in Europe must accept that they are equal citizens in Europe and must work hard to contribute towards Europe's well being. There is a difference between integration and assimilation; while former means you retain your values and principles the latter means you loose them. I am calling on Muslims in Europe to keep Islam as their primary identity and ensure their practices is manifested contextually.
Name
Mohamet
- Turkey
Profession
Question
Assalam Alaykom Ajmal and thanks for being with us on islamonline I am going to ask you about the concept of citizenship in Europe which is not that strong and I have met many Europeans who do not know nationalism not only on their national level but on the European one. it seems that you are asking Muslims to be European more than the Europeans themselves ?
Answer
I am not calling for nationalism; in fact I oppose it. I am calling Muslims living Europe to accept their present reality. There are 15 million Muslims in Europe today and with Turkey it will exceed 100 million. If Muslims behave as they are still in the middle east or Asia or Africa while living in Europe they would misrepresent Islam. What I am calling for is an attitude change where we feel equal as citizens in Europe. I am calling for a change in understanding so that we exemplify Islam in the European context. The concept of citizenship in Islam is beautifully explained in the Qur'an where Allah sets out our roles and responsibilities as custodians of this earth. He says your most important duty is to concerned with the welfare of your immediate people, family, neighbors and localities. This is the concept of citizenship, people are united by their core concerns of wanting live in harmony and peace, economic prosperity and equal opportunity. I am calling on Muslims to demonstrate their willingness to be part of the European experience and shape its future. I don't have to ask this to the native Europeans since they are already one.
Name
Dina
- Finland
Profession
Question
Why do you ask Muslims all the time to be European although you have never asked Europe to Understand our culture which is not European... We are not asking Europe to be Muslim ??
Answer
You are right, Europe should understand its diverse cultures including Islam; but the responsibility of explaining and articulating Islam lies with Muslims living in Europe. Many Muslims are the worst examples of Islam, no wonder very few non-Muslims understand Islam. When you talk about Muslim culture, you don't refer to a monolithic culture, each and every Muslim community from a wide range of countries and background bring with them a rich array of cultures; since Islam does not reject any culture unless it contradicts with a clear Islamic ethical and moral principle, why not create a new culture in Europe that is inclusive of Islam.
Name
Bella
- Denmark
Profession
Question
Do you think that the young Generation in Europe is able to integrate into the European Societies and what is making it different ?
Answer
Yes Muslims are able to integrate in Europe but the difficulties can be over come if we understand the nature of these difficulties and put forward a clear and cohesive strategy to do that.
There are many barriers:
1. Muslims - Muslims inability to adapt to new environment is a key factor. Muslims explain Islam using language and experience that are foreign. Muslims insist on being Arabs, Asian or African while living in Europe and would like everyone else to become Arabs, Asians or Africans when they come to Islam. This is not Islam. This is cultural imperialism. We need Muslims in Europe to understand they no longer live in their respective countries of origin and as long as they insist on that connection, they will be a big barrier.
2. Lack of understanding of Islam amongst Europeans - Majority of European people do not understand Islam and they have not had an opportunity to hear Islam in a way that they can understand.
3. Institutions - There are institutional barriers that also stop such integration one recent example of Turkey and Europe highlight the depth of the problem.
4. Discrimination and Islamophobia - Muslims face numerous disadvantage because of both their ethnic and religious identity. This is also another key barrier.
There is a lot of work that needs doing, we all need to get on with it.
Name
Raoof
- Denmark
Profession
Question
Hello Ajmal . a friend of mine told me about you and your lectures in Romania ( the EuroIslam project ) How did you see the conference and how do you answer its main question Islam and Europe mixed or separated ? for me I think that Islam and Europe can share a common ground without being mixed or separated ?
Answer
Hi Raoof. There is a problem with your question. I did say in the conference that Islam does not need a local definition, it is universal and by nature open to everyone regardless of their background. So I see the future of Islam in Europe as a fantastic opportunity for the humanity to progress even further. So Europe's future and the world's future is unquestionably together. But the problem is with the Muslims. If we remain foreigners we should not be surprised if we are kept out in the cold and thus left separate.
Name
hajji yak
- Gambia
Profession
Question
Becoming an European Muslim is not an easy task but what do you think Muslim can do to spread the message of Islam and apply its practicability in a predominantly non Islamic society.
Answer
A simple answer is "Live Islam"; actions speak louder than words. If Muslims genuinely live Islam in their day to day lives, if they demonstrate Islam in their professions, in their institutions, non Islamic society would find Islam attractive.
Name
Sarah
-
Profession
Question
What are the channels that should be taken by Muslims to evolve their understanding of “Islamic activism”? Is it possible for a Muslim in Europe to contribute in the different fields to live Islam rather than to talk to the people about it?
Answer
I think the second part of your question is crucial to this discussion. Islam strongly demands of us that we practice what we preach for Allah in the Quran says He hates most those who say things that don't practice. We find in the life of the Prophet (peace) a living example of Islam. Thus I agree we must live Islam and it is through living we would generate interest and discussions about Islam for others. The fields of contribution is so wide, I believe we should contribute in areas that inspires us most and our skill sets match the best.
Name
Adam
-
Profession
Question
Given the fact that 52% of the Muslims in the UK are young (under the age of 25), it is said that the coming generations may be more capable of integration as they should command the language and the social skills. What do you think?
Answer
I agree with you entirely.I think one fact that has not been talked about sufficiently is the capability of Muslims to integrate. The first generation of Muslims who came to various parts of Europe including UK do not have sufficient know-how or confidence to make such a leap into integration the next generation of your people certainly have a better understanding of the society and the language skills to help them integrate. What they need is also a better understanding of Islam.
Name
AbDULLAH
- Belgium
Profession
Question
Assalam alaykom Ajmal
Please tell me how do you see the future of Muslims in Europe ( the positive and the negative sides ) ?
Answer
The positive side is:
In 10 years time:
1. there are over 100 million Muslims in Europe
2. Muslims are members of Parliament in their respective European member countries in proportion to the size of their population
3. Muslims are members of European parliament proportionate to the number of Muslims in Europe
4. Muslims are in key influential positions informing policies and key local and international decision.
5. Muslims history and experience is part of the new European narrative
Negative:
1. Muslims are more backward and insular
2. They live in small ghettos
3. They have Imams and leaders who are incompetent
4. They face more discrimination and Islamophobia
5. They are always fire-fighting for their basic rights.
6. Many Muslims are regularly deported to countries of their ethnic origin.
Name
AbDULLAH
- Belgium
Profession
Question
Hello Ajmal
only one question.. why Muslims in Europe have to be European and if they can not integrate what are the alternatives to integration?
Answer
None! You can not live an isolated life, it is not Islamic. Islam requires of us that we interact with people and we get involved in common good. If Muslims claim to be representatives of Islam in Europe, surely they can not represent Islam adequately without integrating. There is one option, the earth is big, move to a place where you can connect and contribute to your full potential.
Name
Tom
- Canada
Profession
Jr. High Student
Question
Is there such a thing as nationalism in Islam? I thought Muslims sole pride and loyalty was towards Allah?
Answer
There is nothing called nationalism in Islam. In fact Islam condoms nationalism. Muslims have to understand that Allah demands of us two relationships; one is called the vertical relationship, that is the relationship we have with Allah. We worship none but Him. The second relationship is called the horizontal relationship, that is our relationship with each other. We are discussing the horizontal relationship here. In this relationship local identity is vital to forming relationships and fundamental to shaping a collective future. So while loyalty is to Allah it is part Allah command that we articulate Islam and live it in the environment we are.
Name
Bartholemew
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
How do we balance the desire to retain aspects of our cultural heritage with the reality that we live in Europe. Where do we compromise in a desire to benefit from both our heritage and our current geography?
Answer
I think this is where we start. We need to generate a new discussion where we examine the European history as it is narrated now. It this narrative it is full of Euro-centric view of the world, it in complete denial of Islam's influence in the European Renaissance. We need to see a new narrative written where there is acknowledgement that Islam and its contribution to modern Europe, its history, its philosophy, its architecture , its science and technology etc. It is through this narration we would see the emergence of a new narrative where your heritage becomes part of the new heritage, I call it shared heritage.
Name
alex
- United States
Profession
Question
what is islam ?
Answer
Alex, than you for asking, this is a quick note but it does need more explanation.
Islam is a choice, a lifestyle, an expression and a mindset that is based on belief in one God who is the creator and sustainer of the universe, who has created us Humans and everything else with a purpose. It is about leading a good virtuous and caring life and in this lifestyle one finds the purpose life. It is about this consciounce that enables a person to accept that there is life after death that is where one would find never ending life and pleasure or suffering and pain. One uses ones short temporal life to achieve the best one can while keeping their focus in the life hereafter. It is about being caring towards other human being, the environment and everything else in it. This is small introduction but for more explanation please read a book called Islam the natural way by Abdul Wahid Hamid.
Name
Mustafa
-
Profession
Question
Hi Ajmal. I heard you were part of Channel 4's Shariah TV. How do you rate that experience, and are there are plans for a third series?
Answer
Hi Mustafa
It was a very good experience and we are currently exploring another series. Watch the space.
Name
Abdinassir
- United Kingdom
Profession
student
Question
Assalaamu Alliakum?
Hello My question is, Allah said in the Koran " Obey Allah and His Prophet and The Ulul Amar (the Rulers) I am A British Muslim and I lived in England where the Authority of this land are not Muslims , so will the above statement apply to me? in other words am I supposed to be loyal to the Queen and the prime minister of Britain?
Answer
Your answer demonstrates something more important that is going through your mind. Let me ask you a question. Why do you see such a clear either or option. Is the Prime Minister or the Queen of this country telling to give up any aspect of your faith? Is he asking you to give up any aspect of your rituals? The answer clearly is no. In order to live in harmony we need to abide by the law of the country. These laws are enacted by human to facilitate a better living condition for all. If we do not abide by these laws, what kind of society would we see. If Prime Minister or the Queen asked any one to give up part of their belief or rituals we would collectively campaign to ensure it never happens. This is the beauty of having a country governed by rule of law rather then dictators. The irony is we couldn't even have an open discussion in real life in many Muslim countries. So the simple answer to your question is yes you should obey the law of the land you live in, if it contradicts your belief and rituals, campaign to change it or find a country where you can practice what you believe. Like they say you cant have your cake and eat it.
Name
Ahmed
- Algeria
Profession
Question
How do Muslims in Europe get their Islamic knowledge? Do they still depend on the translated books form different countries and by writers and scholars who do not understand their real needs?
Answer
You have hit the nail on the head. This is one of grated intellectual deficit we face. We need to refer to the writings of the scholars of all background but more importantly we need to have more home grown scholars and writers explaining and answering some of the key challenges we are facing today. When Muslims were in Spain they were pioneers in introducing new ideas to Islamic discourse. Scholars like Ibn Hazm, Ibn Rushd are all well known scholars but they were native Spanish Muslim scholars. We need new writing to including the thousands of years of intellectual heritage but it should also be written with stories and examples of our new context in a language that is local and understood by people.
Name
Ahmed
- Italy
Profession
Question
How do the European socities deal with the Muslims efforts to integrate and to be a part of the local society where they live ?
Answer
European society also needs a change of language and tone. They should stop calling us ethnic minority, they should stop calling for tolerance, they should stop treating Muslims as aliens. This culture change requires a two way exchange. I am part of the European society and they should accept this. I don't need ethnic minority labels anymore. I don't want to be tolerated, I want to be accepted for who I am, with my faith and background as an equal citizen of Europe. I don't want people to look at me and think I am a foreigner; I am European. Muslims need to start behaving like that, talking like that and presenting Islam like that.
Name
AbDULLAH
- Belgium
Profession
Question
How do you evaluate a muslim who lives in Europe if he/she is an European or not ?
Answer
Three simple questions:
1. Do you feel Europe as your home?
2. Do you feel the European people to be your people?
3. Do you feel and share in their happiness and sadness?
If the asnwer is you feel Europe is your home, you feel European people are your people and you feel and share in their happiness and sadness then you are European.
Name
Fatma
-
Profession
Question
The British Muslim community has been asked not only to condemn the London bombings but to do some kind of a crucial self-criticism and to put their house in order. To what extent do you agree?
Answer
I agree entirely. It is a pity that others had to tell the Muslims and this realization only took place after a tragic incident. Muslims in UK have been far too comfortable in their inner city sub towns they have created modeled around their respective countries of origin. This comfort zone left them without any realization that there is a different world out there and their children are often leading double lives. Introspection is what we need to do now and it is only by putting our house in order can we start to tell others about their failures.
Name
Richard
- United States
Profession
Taxi Driver
Question
Hello and I hope you are having an enjoyable Ramadan,
I am wondering what a "European Muslim" is? When a Muslim resides in a different country than say Iran do they adopt a new lifestyle or way of living? It's curious because I have read the Qur'an and to me, please correct me if I am wrong, it states Muslims are one people. Meaning, to the north pole, south pole, east, or west a Muslim is a Muslim regardless. To me that states that any sort of label for a Muslim is a wrong thing. Just curious and please take care of yourself.
Answer
You are right that Islam in any part of the world is Islam. The discussion is not about Islam. The discussion is about Muslims. Take for example Muslims living UK, many of the first generation Muslims do not speak English, they do not have any friends who are non Muslims, they do not interact with the Non Muslims, they do not take part in the decision making processes, they do not engage in dialogue, they do not take part in politics, the list goes on. This is because they do not consider UK as their home. This discussion is about homing into people that wherever they live that is their home and they should stop behaving like a foreigner. Thus conceptualizing an identity around citizenship help to shape peoples understanding of the universal nature of Islam and the requirement that they practice Islam contextually.
Name
dhimmi
- Ireland
Profession
professor
Question
why wont you Muslim people go and live in an Islamic country where you would be much happier do you really think we will become part of your grand plan for world domination of all infidels?
Answer
This is precisely the problem; we have begots in the Muslim community and non Muslim community. Unless we as people of reason and rationale drown out such voices of hate; we have a very bleak future. I afraid your world is shrinking every day just like world of many extremists. In this new world we have no choice but to share and negotiate how we can build a common future. Exclusivist have to either change or find different planets where they can create their exclusive communities. Islam does not stand for such non sense and anyone claiming such in the name of Islam have totally misunderstood the faith.
Name
Reda
- France
Profession
Question
Give us please specific pionts answering the question what have I do to be European?
Answer
If you live in Europe, accept this as your home. When I say accept it as your home I mean demonstrate in your behavior that acceptance. I will give you an example. This means giving up some of your cultural baggage or not imposing it on others. One example, when Muslims want to show their appreciation of something good or after some one has delivered a good performance, many resort to saying Takbir and the whole crowd together would join in replying Allahu Akbar. This is great but is this a practice that comes from a specific prophet tradition or is it a cultural expression that has evolved in the Muslim countries over the years. When we examine it deeper we find no evidence of this in the Sunnah. Many Muslims would go even one step further and say saying Allahu Akbar is Islamic and clapping which is an common practice in Europe is unislamic. Well here is an example of mixing Islam and culture. There is nothing wrong with clapping and if this is more appropriate for the locals then clapping is what we all must do. Another example is dress. Many insist on long white dress for men as being Islamic, again another cultural confusion. For us to be European we need to separate what is cultural and what is Islamic. Where culture conflicts with local culture we should be universal enough to accept the local one. Where culture conflicts with Islam we of course take Islam. These are two small examples but I believe they demonstrate a mindset that we are trying to challenge. I hope this helps you to start the thinking process of what we need to do if want to be European Muslims.
Name
Mohammed
- Oman
Profession
Retire
Question
Assalamu Aleikum,
Sheikh,
I found Muslims (special in East Africa) when Imam finish faridha pray, people comes late on (2 rakaa, example) one of them will touch someone infront and he should lid (Imam) the pray and when finish another one will do the same and so on.
And also if some one enter the Masjid and found someone pray He will go and touch on his shoulder and he should lid (Imam) the pray.
Are these allowed in Islam? I found strange
JazakuLahu Kheiran
Answer
This is not the topic of our discussion today please ask another time.
Name
fashia
- United Kingdom
Profession
recruitment
Question
Salam Alaykoum warahmatouAllah ou barakatou.
I have recently been diagnosed with anemia and low iron defficency in my blood. the doctor advised i shoulndt fast. I am seeking the truth and Rada from Allah i want to do the right thing. I fear Allah and dont want to displease him. I have tried to fast but feel very weak in doing so. I feel i dont know what to do and hope that someone could advise me.
Should i fast even though it may be bad for my health. i dont want to be doing the wrong thing.
Allah jesikoum bil Kheer. Allah ou 3alam.
Answer
If you are ill with such a condition that causes you harm, it is in the Quran that you should not fast. You will be pleasing Allah by not harming yourself.
Name
BUKAR
- Nigeria
Profession
Engineer
Question
HOW MANY WIFES HAS THE PROPHET MOHAMMAD (SAW). WHICH AMONG THEM WAS SPECIFICALLY REFERED TO IN SURATUL "TAHRIM"
