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Name
Ashour
- Russian Federation
Profession
Doctor
Question
I want to thank you very much for your efforts. My question is: do you think that Muslim people in Eastern Europe can play an important role in their countries in the near future?
Answer
Thank you for your question. We are sure that Muslims in Eastern European countries do have an important role to play, because of the following:
1- Muslims form a majority in some Eastern European countries (such as Albania, Bosnia, Kosova, and Macedonia), and in the others they are a considerable minority (such as Ukraine, Russia, and Bulgaria). We are talking about 35 million peope of the indigenous population.
2- Majority of Muslims in Eastern European countries are youth, and the Prophet (pbuh) said "I was made victorious by the youth."
3- The difficult situation Muslims faced during Communist rule caused large numbers of them to return to Islam.
4- They are indigenous Muslims, and hence they can present Islam in their native language, supported by the large Islamic presence, and can take advantage of the lack of sirituality that exists amongst people in general.
These are some of the good tidings which give us the feeling that, Insha Allah, in the near future they will be able to play an important and historical role in their respective countries.
Name
abu ahmed
- Greece
Profession
accountant
Question
As salamu aleikum. If you don't mind, can you give us a brief idea about Muslims in Eastern Europe countries?
Answer
Wa alaikum assalam.
This is an important question.
1- East European countries are ex-communist countries. In the past, they were part of the Islamic Caliphate, which collapsed in 1928. The Muslims in these countries were deceived by the socialist slogans of the Marxists. These Muslim communities were imprisoned behind this wall of communism for years, until the winds of freedom arose in the late eighties, returning them once more to the light.
From there, a level of coordination was established between the Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe (FIOE) and other serious Islamic organizations in these countries, with the aim of reviving this islamic sprit and enhancing its presence, to estabish an effective community with the following main characteristics:
1- Practicing Islam;
2- To take part in the revival of the community.
Below are the numbers of Muslims in these countries:
Russia = 21 million
Ukraine = 2 million
Romania = 120000
Bulgaria = 2.5 million
Albania = 3 million
Bosnia = 2.2 million
Kosova = 2 million
Macedonia = 0.5 million
Croatia = 0.4 million
Serbia = 0.8 million
Poland = 20000
Hungary = 80000
Belarus = 80000
Moldova = 25000
Baltic States = 35000
Slovenia = 0.25 million
Of these numbers, only 50,000 are immigrants. The rest are all natives.
Name
omir
- Algeria
Profession
programmer
Question
Salamu aleikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
What is the FIOE, and what are its aims? How can we contact it?
Answer
The Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe is a non-profit European organization, which provides a framework for its member organizations and institutions, in order to achieve the overall common goals of serving Muslims in European societies.
FIOE aims to maintain the Muslim presence in Europe, and to enhance and develop that presence so that Islam is properly and accurately introduced.
We have organizations in 27 European countries, with thousands of individual members, and hundreds of institutions and Islamic centers.
We also have central organizations, such as the European Council for Fatwa and Reserach, headed by Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi.
We also have the European Institute for Human Science, with its three branches: Two in France, and one in Wales in the UK.
The European Trust and European Union of Arabic Islamic Schools is aslo part of our organization.
Name
Ali D.
- United Arab Emirates
Profession
Question
What is the source of the Muslim presence in Eastern Europe? I understand of course that countries like Albania and Bosnia owe their large Muslim populations to the Ottoman conquests, but I’m not sure how Muslims ended up in places like Poland, Hungary, Belarus, the Baltics, and Slovenia. Was this the result of recent immigration? If so, where from?
Answer
Their presence started very early on, during the time of the Companions of the Prophet (pbuh), such as with Abu Ayoub Al Ansari. We are talking about a presence that began from the early days of Islam and continued until today.
It is also by the grace of Allah that the Tatar [Mongols] that invaded the Muslim lands later on became good Muslims. It is through their efforts that Muslims are now present in Central Asia, the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Romania, and so on.
In addition, there are also the Tajiks and Chechens and the Uzbeks. As for the Balkans, we have the Albanians, the Bosnians, and the Turbish (of Turkish origin).
Name
Nooruddin
- United States
Profession
Question
Other than the major trouble spots in Eastern Europe that involve Muslims (such as the Balkans) we rarely hear anything about the Muslim communities living there. Should this be interpreted as a good sign, in the sense that it suggests Muslims there are coexisting peacefully with their fellow countrymen?
Answer
Firstly, we welcome Brother Nooruddin's positive interpretation. Problems and troubles usually always produce the loudest voice, and hence get coverage.
We can also say that some of these countries are not stable institutionally, nor from a security point of view, but that Muslims as a community were never involved in these problems. Hence, their presence enriches society, rather than threatens it.
We agree with your positive interpretation. Having said that, from a brotherly point of view, even if their presence is not visible in the media we should ask and enquire about their situation.
Name
Mohamed Moussa
- Italy
Profession
Question
How advanced is the Muslim presence in East Europe? Are there Muslim officials in the government or Muslim representatives in Parliament?
Answer
Muslims in Eastern Europe are present in some official government bodies in many of these countries. This official involvment reaches as far as the president or prime minister. However, this is not the major issue. Rather more important is their role in presenting and introducing Islam to society. In some Muslim States, we have Muslim leaders who might not be working for Islam; therefore, our role in Eastern Europe is to encourage these leaders to work harder for Islam.
Name
Hamza
- Turkey
Profession
Question
How did these Muslims fare under Communism in Eastern Europe? Were there efforts to erase their cultural identity?
Answer
During communism, major efforts were directed at erasing the Muslim identity, as well as any other religious identity, so that an individual would belong only to communism and not to any other belief.
Hence, the communists executed hundreds of thousands of Muslims, and imprisoned, tortured, and exiled anyone linked with Islam.
But despite all that, and because Islam is a fitra (basic nature), it remained alive in the hearts of people. They used to practise in their basements, in the dark or by candle light, and sometimes on mountain tops. And when communism collapsed, Islam came back to life.
We have seen numerous examples of old Muslim men who spent 20 and 30 years in prison because they declared that Allah is their Lord. Communism finally collapsed, but their belief in Allah never disappeared, not even for a minute.
These were men who were faithful to their commitment to Allah. Some have died, and some are still alive, but they never changed their religion.
Name
Abdul Qahar
- United Arab Emirates
Profession
Question
Do you necessarily advocate pacifism among Muslims in East Europe? I ask because I know that some of these countries really persecute their Muslim communities, such as Russia, which oppresses millions of Muslims in Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan, etc. My point is, Muslims in some countries face actual killing and persecution, whereas in others they face mild discrimination. As such, how does your organization deal with such a variety of circumstance? Do you always advocate a peaceful solution, even in places like Chechnya?
Answer
The Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe is a non-governmental organization that calls for peace and practices peaceful methods, and we are sure this method is effective in solving a lot of the problems faced by Muslims in Eastern Europe, if we can use the potential we possess wisely.
This is the main rule. But having said that, every country has its own circumstances.
If the situation is that of an invasion of land, the killing of people and the abuse of individuals, and the theft and destruction of their property, then nobody can object to one's using force to counter force, regardless of the area and the era.
Name
Roba Fayyad
-
Profession
Question
Sir, can you give us a vision about Islamic Da`wa [call to Islam] in Eastern Europe?
Answer
Da`wa in Eastern Europe aims to strengthen the Islamic identity and to pass on this da`wa work to the next generation, so as to serve and maintain the large Muslim presence. Hence, we aim to:
1- Enhance and improve the performance of the indigenous population in carrying the responsiblities of da`wa within their societies;
2- Povide technical support, to improve their performance of their religious and civil duties;
3- To work to strengthen the Muslim scholarly community's (Mashyakha) standing as a local reference for the larger community;
4- To restore the Muslim waqfs [religious endowments] which were confiscated under the communist regime;
5- To train and prepare Muslim individuals for different fields of life, such as scholars, Muslim public leaders, leaders of Islamic organizations, and specialists in education and da`wa;
6- Maintain and improve the social harmony that exists between the Muslim community and the wider society, because we believe this is the practical way of delivering the message of Islam.
Name
Muslimah
-
Profession
Question
As salamu aleikum,
I want to know, is there a revival of Islam among Eastern European Muslim brothers and sisters, and secondly, what positive steps are being taken towards a more Islamic society?
Answer
We thank you for your question. The second part of your question was answered earlier. As for the first part, I will give brief answers, drawing on the experiences of brothers working in the field of da`wa in Eastern Europe.
1- During communism, the number of mosques and Islamic centers was zero, whereas now we have tens, if not hundreds of mosques and centers in most countries.
2- We no longer talk about one row of old men during prayers; we talk about mosques full of youth.
3- Muslim charitable organizations have provided sponsorship to hundreds of students in different fields of Islamic studies and other general subjects. Now they are back home and are practicing their role in the community.
4- Hijab was not rejected by and absent from society when communism collapsed, but now it is a common phenomenon, worn by hundreds or thousands in many countries.
5- Previously, Islamic organizations and institutions found it difficult to play any role in society. But now these organizations are struggling to keep up with the huge demand.
These are some points which I hope offer some information on the development of da`wa in Eastern Europe.
Name
Sulaiman
- Pakistan
Profession
Question
Will you please tell us if there is someone preaching Islam in Eastern Europe?
Do they have collaboration from other Muslim societies in Western Europe?
Answer
There are dozens of organizations present in almost all Eastern European countries, and they coordinate with other Islamic organization in Western Europe, so as to benefit from their long experience in da`wa in Western Europe.
The Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe, which I am honored to work with, is an umbrella organization composed of organizations in Eastern and Western Europe.
Name
Ahmed
- Poland
Profession
Question
Salaam,
This is a joke. Europe is making it harder and harder for Muslims. As long as Russia, Europe, and America press their thumbs on Muslims, all talk about rights for Muslims is just that - talk. I have lived as a Muslim in France, Moscow, California (USA), and now Poland. I can tell you that when you are a minority you are treated like dirt. No lies or a weak attitude about me stating this. I don't know why we talk and talk and talk about rights of Muslims when they are minorities in countries. It is a waste of time. When countries like Saudi Arabia forbid other religions then one can only expect other countries to take note of that and punish us. We can't have it both ways. It's like terrorism, we cry over the hijab issue in France and yet we don't march in the streets everytime an idiot brother blows up something. Talk is cheap and those that like to chat about rights in countries where Muslims are a minority need a reality check. What is your take on this issue? Peace.
Answer
Firstly, I dont agree with Brother Ahmed about this negative image. If we believe that as a minority we will not have rights, then we should not ask for these rights. To ask for your rights is both an Islamic right and duty, exactly the same as the performance of other duties.
Secondly, leaving aside the details you mentioned in your question, let us agree on certain principles:
1- As long as someone calls for his rights, these rights will not be lost;
2- When we ask for our rights as Muslims, we view the difficulties we face as a test from Allah;
3- We can not always assume we are right in all situations or in all our stances. Similarly the other side is not always wrong under in all situations or in all their stances;
4- We must be just, fair, and objective in assessing our stances, and we must admit our mistakes, and we should be able to say so to the whole world.
Name
Abdi-Hakim Yasin
- Finland
Profession
Computer Science Researcher
Question
As salamu aleikum. First, I would like to thank IOL for their professionally done work for Muslims. May Allah reward your deeds and work for Islam.
Dr Ayman, would you please elaborate a little bit on what are the special characteristics of Islam in Eastern Europe compared with West Europe? What can Muslims in West Europe do for their brothers in Eastern Europe or vice versa?
Answer
Thank you Brother Abdi-Hakim Yasin for your question.
A quick comparison: Islam in Western Europe consists of:
1- Converts, or what I like to call reverts;
2- Immigrants;
3- Second and third generation Muslims.
This is arranged in ascending order from the smallest to the largest in number.
In total, we have 15-20 million Muslims in Western Europe.
1- In Eastern Europe, the Muslims are the actual indigenous population, who number about 35 million, with only half a million immigrants.
2- In Western Europe, the opportunity for Muslims to be highly effective in the communities they live in is limited when compared to that of the Muslims of Eastern Europe.
3- The experiences of Western European Muslims, especially in Islamic work, is much better than those of their brothers in Eastern Europe.
4- Despite the difficult situation of the Muslims in Western Europe, Muslims there face less pressure than Muslims in Eastern Europe.
Regarding their characteristics, Islamic work in Eastern Europe is more youthful, has more opportunities but less exprience, and is more promising. That's why it needs to get the experience of the Islamic work done in Western Erurope, and to exchange ideas and train their leadership, etc.
