New Body of European Imams: What's Next?

 [O humankind, We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know each other.] (Al-Hujurat 49: 13)

On Saturday and Sunday, Safar 16 and 17, AH 1429, corresponding to February 23 and 24, 2008 AD, by the grace of Allah, the Founding Conference of the European Assembly for Imams and Spiritual Guides was held in response to the call of the Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe (FIOE). It was attended by a large number of imams and guides working in Europe. Since its establishment back in 1989, the FIOE has actively sought to bring in mechanisms and frameworks to organize and guide Islamic efforts in Europe.

The role of imams has always taken centre stage in the federation's plans and programs. Hence, it created institutions in the UK and France to take care of graduating imams. This highlights the importance of the creation of this assembly for the future of the Islamic presence in Europe.

This is an important step designed to complement other Islamic efforts in Europe in order to enhance and promote the role of imams, build their capacities, and take care of their rights. Guided by the Muslims of Europe Charter in the field of Islamic thought and general directions and also by the recommendations and fatwas of the European Council for Fatwa and Research in the field of fiqh and fatwa, imams will be empowered to carry out their duties in guiding Muslims in Europe.

It is widely anticipated that this new organization will help in removing barriers that currently prevent effective participation of Muslims in Europe as positive citizens. The assembly would like to highlight the importance and need for female religious guides' participation to complement its efforts in reaching important sectors of society and to establish the principle of citizenship and care for the family and youth.

European Islamic Identity

The European Assembly for Imams and Spiritual Guides stresses on establishing and strengthening the European Islamic identity, which is considered a new credit added to Europe. It believes that the Islamic identity in Europe, with the appropriate circumstances, such as support, guidance, and rehabilitation of members, will maintain stability in the European communities. Because of the fact that imams as religious authorities are respected within their communities, it is keen to support the role of imams in strengthening social peace and tranquility.

The assembly will also highlight the challenges facing Muslims internally and externally, especially the phenomenon of Islamophobia in its different manifestations and the repeated desecration and disparagement of Islamic sanctities in European countries under the pretext of freedom of speech, which endanger the desired civil peace.

The European Assembly of Imams and Spiritual Guides highly appreciated the stance of the European Parliament (EP) in regards to the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza. The EP called upon the occupation forces to lift the siege imposed on Gaza, which has led to catastrophic consequences for the people of Gaza, contradicting all human values and principles.

The assembly also congratulated the people of Kosovo on the occasion of their independence, with the hope that the rights of Muslims in the new state will be preserved and that peace will be maintained with its neighbors.

In conclusion, we would like to extend our thanks to all those who contributed in making this conference a success. In particular, we would like to thank the Belgian government for facilitating this conference. We would also like to thank our respected audience for their active and positive interaction with the conference proceedings.

The close of our prayer is "praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds."

What are your expectations for the future of Islam in Europe after the launch of this new body of imams? Do you think the European imams will play a significant role in Europe?

Euro-Muslims Editorial Desk