Muslim Youth and Women in the West: Source of Concern or Source of Hope?

Session III – 3. Religious Practice–A Western Islam?

The rapporteur, Roger Hardy, Middle East and Islamic affairs analyst of the BBC World Service, began by noting that the idea that Islam can adapt to different settings is not new, as Islam has flourished in a variety of different settings.

The Context of Discussions—Belief and Belonging

The theme the panel was intended to elaborate on was the interaction between the universal message of Islam and the specific context of the present–day West. The discussions and case studies focused largely on Europe.

Mr. Hardy noted that there was a wide range of opinions on the relationship between “belief and belonging.” One member of the group stated that belief could underpin belonging. Overall, the group felt that the states should keep out of the realm of belief. However, when it came to belonging, both the state and society had an important role to play in helping Muslims feel welcome. In fact, the panel categorized four distinct “actors”—the state, the broader society, Muslim communities, and individual Muslims—although their roles in belief and belonging could not be firmly established. The views varied among the members of the panel with regard to country and, in particular, in relation to education.

State Intervention in Religion

The panelists agreed that the organization of essential social and religious tasks for the Muslim community is a Muslim responsibility. The members of the group disagreed on whether the government should play a major role, especially since states differ in their cultural, legal, and political traditions. Even within the context of a particular nation, panelists had different takes on the danger of government meddling in religious discourse. Some believed that society could arguably achieve more to foster belonging than the heavy hand of the state, while others felt that the state is a crucial actor in important areas such as the training of imams.

Imams

The group concurred that imams in Western society must be aware of their specific social context and know enough about local culture so they can work effectively within it. Mr. Hardy noted, however, that there was disagreement as to how imams should be trained, organized, and paid. Some participants felt that the state should organize and pay the imams; others were against this idea and considered it “top–down” social engineering.

Conclusions

The rapporteur reviewed the conclusions that emerged from the discussions about the responsibilities of the governments, communities, and individuals with regard to Muslims in the West. First, Muslims must enhance what one member called “cultural competencies”—including command of the local language and a clear understanding of the rights and duties of citizenship. Second, Muslims must continue engaging in dialogue with non–Muslims in order to dispel prevailing ignorance about themselves, their religion, and their values.

In conclusion, Mr. Hardy restated the crucial relationship between belief and belonging. While belief can underpin belonging, the articulation of belief is a Muslim responsibility, with the state and wider society playing a role in fostering Muslims’ sense of belonging.

Mustapha Tlili thanked the rapporteurs and opened the floor for debate. He stated that the group discussions would be divided into two parts. The first part would be a general discussion about the ideas that had been presented in the reports. He urged participants not to revisit discussions of the previous days, but to emphasize ideas that could “fill in” remaining blanks. The second half of the debate would be about implementation—a plan of action.

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