Confusion over move by Germany, France to train imams locally

Doubts over measures’ efficacy in curbing foreign govts’ influence on Muslim citizens

- Jonathan Eyal

LONDON - Germany and France home to some of Europe's most significant Islamic communities have announced measures restricting the influence of foreign governments over the education and religious practices of their Muslim citizens.

The German Interior Ministry said on Jan 2 that from now on, 100 imams will be trained in Germany every year and will gradually replace the imams currently sent from Turkey to lead prayers and provide broader religious guidance to German Muslims.

Most of the 900 mosques in Germany administered by Turkey have Turkish imams.

In Paris, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin sent a letter to foreign governments reminding them that, following a decision by President Emmanuel Macron, France will, with immediate effect, no longer accept imams selected by any foreign government for potential service among the French Muslim community.

There are now some 300 imams sent by countries such as Algeria, Turkey and Morocco.

In both Germany and France, the moves are prompted by fears that foreign-trained imams are either unfamiliar with the civic values expected from European residents or have proved unwilling to respect and promote such values.

But the measures have generated confusion and uncertainty among some Muslim communities, and there are doubts about their efficacy.

The German and French Muslims have different historical roots and political experiences.

Germany's estimated 5.6 million Muslims come primarily from Turkey and are the children of migrant labourers, first attracted by work opportunities during the 1960s.

By contrast, France's 3.5 millionstrong Muslim community primarily hails from the former French colonies and territories of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.

Most were French citizens at birth, and the vast majority have French as their mother tongue.