France – To end separatism once and for all, the President of France, Emmanuel Macron has proposed to put an end to the training of imams abroad sent and paid by Algeria and Turkey. But the question that we should ask ourselves above all is: is this project feasible by 2024 as Macron would like? Chems-Eddine Hafiz responds.
As pointed out by the French Head of State, Emmanuel Macron in the context of the fight against Islamist separatism in France, the training of seconded imams sent by foreign countries including Algeria and Turkey should end after four years. In other words, this measure will normally be effective in 2024. However, the rector of the Great Mosque of Paris, the oldest in France, Chems-Eddine Hafiz has a strong opinion on the issue.
Indeed, invited on the set of France Info this Saturday, October 31, the Franco-Algerian lawyer believes that the end of training for seconded imams “is not achievable” in four (04) years. If it is for Macron, the sinews of war against Islamist separatism is to no longer receive imams from Algeria, Turkey, or others, Chems-Eddine Hafiz sees things from another angle. According to the latter, it was only a speech to “make a wish”. Thus, if we believe the statement of the lawyer, the reality is quite different in terms of realization.
Arrived at this stage during his declaration, the rector of the Great Mosque did not refrain from defending or even separating the wheat from the chaff. For him, it is first and foremost necessary to “sort out at the international level”; “We can’t put everyone in the same bag,” he adds. In detail, the lawyer proposed to strengthen the existing relationship since a lease between France, Algeria, and Morocco.
Revealing to this end to be sure and certain that the Algerian and Moroccan imams; never speak out against France during their speeches. This is to say that we must fight other parties. To justify himself and further argue his point of view; Chems-Eddine Hafiz gave the example of the Islamic World Line and the “media interposed”. According to him, we should not attack imams but rather those who are against democracy.
Breaking away from myths: that is the solution
Far from the training of detached imams and separatism, Chems-Eddine Hafiz, who published a booklet entitled The 20 recommendations of the Great Mosque of Paris on the prevention of radicalization, returns in the same interview on how to do justice to the Islam or even to “free it from foreign influences”. For him, it is necessary to make known to others the true face of Islam.
According to the speaker, the synonym of Islam has been quite different since September 11, 2001. From justice and peace, Islam has become in the eyes of many people a synonym of “terrorism, violence, killings, deaths… ”. In an annoyed tone, Chems-Eddine laments, “that bothers me a lot”.
For him, imams should not stay in mosques; they must go outside and tell or even clarify the great vagueness about this religion. And this is the very first mission to fight myths and false images about Islam. For him, it’s not ink on paper. Chems-Eddine Hafiz intends to complete this project. He also revealed that he is in the process of launching “popular universities routes throughout France”. And this, to explain the true religion.
