As part of ongoing coverage of the recent Amsterdam events, “Morocco Now” conducted an exclusive interview with Imam Hicham El-Lamtouni, the Imam and preacher of Al-Oumma Mosque in Amsterdam. The discussion focused on his Friday sermon addressing the challenges faced by the Moroccan and Muslim community following the violence sparked by Israeli fans against Moroccans and local businesses.
Summary of Events: Community Challenges
Imam Hicham began by highlighting the difficulties faced by the Moroccan and Muslim community in the Netherlands following the recent incidents. He emphasized that these events extended beyond material damage, such as the burning of public transport, to significantly tarnish the image of Muslims in Dutch society.
Do We Understand Our Religion and Reality?
In his sermon, the Imam questioned the level of understanding Muslims have of their religion and reality, stressing the importance of embodying Islamic values like discipline, organization, and morality.
“We are ambassadors of our religion and our homeland. We must reflect a bright image of our Islamic and Moroccan identity.”
He warned against the potential impacts of these events, which could justify restrictive laws such as monitoring mosques and weekend schools providing Arabic and Quranic lessons.
Dialogue and Coordination Are Key
The Imam called for greater openness among Muslim communities and collaboration between religious and social institutions to address these challenges. He stated:
“We can only overcome these challenges through constructive dialogue and mutual cooperation. It is essential to define a unified vision and clear objectives for our institutions to propose practical solutions.”
The Family’s Role in Preventing Deviance
Discussing the family’s central role, the Imam emphasized its importance in protecting young people from deviance and delinquency. He pointed out:
“The issues we see today, such as violence and crime, often originate from family dysfunction. We see young people wandering the streets at an age when they should be at home or in school, paving the way for deviance and criminal behavior.”
A Message to the Community: Awareness and Reform
In conclusion, the Imam urged the Muslim and Moroccan community to unite and work diligently to improve their image in Dutch society. He highlighted the importance of collective awareness and comprehensive reform, emphasizing that dialogue and collaboration are the only ways to overcome this crisis.
Conclusion: A Royal Vision Uniting Moroccans Abroad
This interview aligns with the efforts led by the Kingdom of Morocco, under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, to strengthen parallel diplomacy and consolidate ties between the Moroccan diaspora and their homeland. His Majesty has reiterated the importance of the Moroccan community as an integral component of the nation.
