Belgian Muslim organizations signatory of the declaration “against radicalization and for citizenship” will soon meet to set a list of actions, said on Tuesday El Hajjaji Hajib, spokesman of the initiative and also Vice President of the Collectif against Islamophobia in Belgium.
“We have to see how the fight against radicalization and especially how to set up an Islam that contributes positively to the whole society,” he said.
At the initiative of the Muslim collective “EmBem” (Empowering Belgian Muslims), more than 50 associations (including Muslim Executive) and nearly 40 personalities and engaged citizens signed a document entitled “Convergence of Belgium against Muslim radicalization and for citizenship. “It aims to promote a “generous” Islam and identifies the four working areas: religious, education, the fight against discrimination and the enhancement of the Muslim contribution in Europe and Belgium.
“We were shocked by the recent events. But the time of conviction happened. Today, we must go further. We must act together in synergy,” said El Hajib Hajjaji. “Some associations met for the first time thanks to the initiative. It also nourishes the reflection, “he says.
The actions envisaged are for example to encourage imams to talk about tolerance and respect in their Friday prayers, empowering youth through scouts and Muslim guides and encourage Islamic scholars to highlight the diversity of Islam.
The idea is not to create a new structure; these actions will be implemented by the various associations based on their respective missions.
“The responsibilities are shared. We do not want to deny our own, but we also asked the political authorities to act with a view of a contributing Islam,” said the spokesman. Muslim signatories would in particular be able to broadcast a program granted in the public service media.
With Lalibre
