The dominant emotion amongst Muslims in Holland seems to be anger because of the aggressive way the media is now dealing with Islam.
How do you think Muslims can constructively contribute to building bridges between communities?
Thank you.
Answer
Assalamu Alaykum
From a historical perspective, the time has been too short to see great positive results from our investment in society. However, we are convinced of the fact that we are on the right way. Muslims should engage in dialogue, more and more intensely. On the other hand, the receiving society should be more open for others with different cultural and religious background.
This is not always the case. Under the pretext of integration, too many and too hasty changes are expected from Muslims, apart from the fact that it is not explained what is meant by integration. Unclear social and political expectations from Muslims do not encourage speedy processes. Again, a lot of dialogue along with making more use of intellectual capital, and really listening to each other listening to each other is needed.
Thank you for your question.
Name
Aisha
-
Profession
Question
I really need to know what is the current situation in Holland? What is the stance of the mainstream media?
Answer
In general the situation is tense but controllable. Yesterday a bomb exploded in an Islamic primary school in the town Eindhoven. And in other places, mosques have been vandalized with slogans.
The discussion is still raging in the media. What is being discussed are the causes, consequences, and government policy. Some newspapers are more aggressive than others. There is also frequent dialogue between the ministers and the CMO (Contact Body of Muslims and the Government) about the necessary actions to be taken.
This morning at 11 o’clock we had a meeting with the Minister of Integration, Verdonk. There is dialogue and meetings on all levels, especially the Moroccan brothers are organizing manifestations in which they condemn the murder.
Name
Nora
- Netherlands
Profession
Question
Many Muslims in Holland who belong to the younger generation have criticised the first generation of Muslims in Holland of being too submissive in apologizing for the murder of van Gogh while insulting Muslims doesn't seem to be condemned enough. What is your opinion of this viewpoint?
Thank you.
Answer
We need to make the following very clear: freedom of expression is a great value that needs to be protected. Muslims also benefit from this. It is difficult to accept criticism on Islam and everything that is sacred to us. And it hurts. However, there happen to be people who do not wish to take the sentiments of Muslims into account.
We need to swallow and push our limits. In this process, we need, also, as Muslims, to develop a self-correcting ability. We need to ask ourselves, time and again, what the aim is of the one who criticizes us and reach a dialogue; so not to resort to violence. We could possibly take people to court. Islam has deeper roots in the older generations than in the younger ones.
I think that in general the elders can make better estimations of the consequences of “not” responding timely to such a murder. This in my eyes is not a sign of weakness; it is acting in the interest of all. Younger people who do not agree with the elders should also enter into a dialogue with them.
Name
Salim
-
Profession
Question
Can you give us the whole picture of the Muslim community in Holland? Do the Muslims need some kind of self-criticism?
Answer
The Muslim community in Holland is very diverse. Moroccans and Turks are the biggest groups. These people we asked to come to Holland in the sixties as guest workers in the context of the reconstruction. They were recruited in their country or origin by large companies. They have no or low level of education.
The Islam that they brought to the Netherlands was developed in its local context and mixed with ethnic traditions that were rigorously preserved.
In my opinion, self-criticism is necessary. Amongst other things, it is necessary distinguish true Islam from Ethnic and geographical traditions. This is a process. When this process has completed Muslims will be capable of, and the way will be free for, the development of their own Islam, an Islam that connects better to Dutch society and the dynamics within it. This will enable Muslims to function as independent and complete individuals/community.
Name
----
-
Profession
Question
How do the dutch people see Islam and Muslims? Is not strange that they are interested in the Islamic art and culture but they can not interact with the Muslim community in their own country?
Answer
Fortunately, there are also a lot of Dutch people who are interested in Muslims and live with them in unison. Unfortunately, there are disruptive forces within both communities. We (Muslims and non-Muslims) should be more on our guard that these forces will not become the authoritative ones.
Thank you.
Name
----
-
Profession
Question
Can you not see what happened as a justified reaction after a series of insults aimed at Islam and Muslims?
Answer
NO. Absolutely not. This act cannot be justified. There are many, many examples, also from the time of our Prophet (peace be upon him): He was stoned by the inhabitants, including the children, of Ta’if. In Mecca, the Prophet and his companions went through very hard times and even starvation because of the embargo. Camel intestines were thrown one him by unbelievers.
In spite of this all, the Prophet did not curse these people and did not even raise his voice. Instead, he prayed to Allah not to punish these people for their acts. The life of the Prophet should be an example for Muslims. Because of this we should strongly condemn violence and deal with the situation, no matter how painful it is. In my eyes, the use of violence is a sign of serious weakness in the violator. Muslims should be able to spread the word of peace of Islam in Peace.
Name
abdelmonaim
- Netherlands
Profession
interpreter
Question
Is there a similarity between the war on terrorism declared by G.W. Bush and the coming war on terrorism in the Netherlands declared by Vice Prime Minister Zalm and his colleague van Aartsen.
Answer
Zalm has received much criticism in the past days, particularly with regard to his choice of words. It has been declared that the Netherlands is not at war with Islam and Muslims but only with extreme radicals.
Name
Mohammed
- United Kingdom
Profession
Question
How do you think your organisation can contribute to improving the situation of Muslims in the Netherlands?
Answer
There are one million Muslims in the Netherlands. The CMO they represents %85 of all Muslims in Holland. We are the formal contact body for the government with whom we make administrative deals in the interest of Muslims but also society as a whole. Apart from this, we care a structural dialogue with Muslims including Muslims leaders and organization and also with other religious communities.
We try to improve the constructed image about Islam and Muslims through all channels possible.
