Basisdocument 2017

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Introduction

The foundational document is based on three key principles:

• Islam's universal nature

  Islam is a universal religion that has contributed to enriching European culture. The growing Muslim presence in Sweden represents this long Islamic tradition, which is reflected in the increasing Muslim population in the country.

• Promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms

  We strive to strengthen trust and encourage friendly relationships, mutual respect and cooperation between Islamic organizations and other institutions in the Swedish society.

• The importance of strengthening citizenship

  • We emphasize the importance of anchoring principles of citizenship based on equality and equal rights.
  • We are working to define a legal status for the recognition of Islam and to ensure Muslims' religious rights in Sweden.

Part one: Basic principles of the document

(see above)

Part two: Islamic fundamental principles

God says in the Quran: "Remember God's favor upon you, and the covenant He has made with you when you said, 'We have heard and we obey.' Fear God! God knows what is in human hearts." (Quran 5:7)

• A faith for all

  We see Islam as a continuation of the message of previous prophets, with Muhammad being the final prophet. The Islamic message is universal and applies to all people, regardless of background or time period. We believe in equality and respect everyone's right to think freely and make their own choices.

• Our interpretation of Islam

  We follow the original sources of Islam in our understanding of the religion, and distinguish between divine law (Sharia) and human interpretation of this law (Fiqh).

• Human dignity and values

  • In Islam, every human being is seen as valuable with a responsibility on Earth. We value people's lives, dignity, freedom of thought and health.
  • Islam encourages honesty, trustworthiness and compassion. We promote peace, empathy, tolerance, equality and justice, especially in relation to family, neighbors and vulnerable groups.
• The pursuit of justice

  • The concept of "jihad" primarily refers to personal development and fighting for a just society. Armed conflict is only permitted for states in self-defense, in accordance with international law.
  • We strongly condemn all forms of violence against innocent people and support peaceful methods for defending human rights and combating injustice.
• Coexistence and dialogue

  • We strive for harmonious coexistence with other religious communities and belief systems, and encourage interreligious dialogue and cooperation for the benefit of society.
  • We respect Sweden's laws and democratic values, and see no contradiction between being a good Muslim and a good citizen.

Part three: Family and upbringing

• The family's role in society

  • A strong family, based on a legally recognized marriage between man and woman, is the key to both personal happiness and a stable society. We advocate measures that strengthen the family and counteract factors that can weaken it.
• Children's rights and identity

  • We care about children's health, social development and mental well-being. Children have the right to their family affiliation and cultural identity.
• Family's internal structure

  • In the family, the couple share responsibility. Decisions should be made through consultation, mutual respect and love, even though the husband has primary responsibility.
• A safe upbringing

  • We want to create good conditions for the development of Muslim children and young people. Islamic values are communicated through families and other social contexts. We encourage open discussions about religion, societal issues, and extremism.
• Children's right to protection

  • We oppose the separation of children from their parents, except in cases of serious danger or abuse. If placement is necessary, we prefer placing them with Muslim families with continued parental contact if possible.
  • We stand behind both Islamic law and international agreements on the protection of children against all forms of abuse and exploitation.
• Moral guidance

  • We encourage a responsible approach to sexuality and relationships. We provide information about the risks of extramarital sexual relationships from religious, moral, and health perspectives.

Part four: Women's rights and dignity

• Equality and participation

  • We believe in equality between men and women when it comes to human dignity and social responsibility. We encourage Muslim women to actively participate in Swedish society and politics.
• Respect and integrity

  We value women's dignity and oppose objectification. We encourage decent conduct in clothing, behavior, and communication.

Part five: The role of religious institutions in Swedish society

• Our responsibility and dialogue

  • We take responsibility for addressing societal challenges through unity, cooperation and mutual support. We promote peace, security and understanding between cultures and religions.
• Counter extremist tendencies and promote integration

  • We distance ourselves from violence and terrorism. We work to strengthen the ties between Islamic organizations in Sweden and build trust with state institutions.
• Religious freedom

  • We uphold the right of Muslims to express their faith and practice their religion, both privately and publicly, in accordance with Swedish laws and international human rights.

Part six: Citizenship and Integration

• Full citizenship and positive integration

  • Citizenship involves both rights and responsibilities in social, political, cultural, and economic areas. We strive for a balance between preserving our religious identity and fulfilling our civic duties, while also respecting Swedish laws and authorities.
• Protection against discrimination and active citizenship

  • Muslims should be protected against discrimination in employment, housing, healthcare and education. We encourage political engagement, from voting to cooperating with municipalities and government agencies, and welcome openness towards cultural diversity in society.
• Positive social impact

  • Muslims should be a positive force in Swedish society. We promote good values and cooperate with everyone for the benefit of society, while also engaging in community development without harming people, animals or the environment.
• Freedom of expression and respect

  • We support the right to different opinions and freedom of expression, both individually and in groups. Criticism and opposition are acceptable as long as they do not harm or violate others' beliefs and values.

Part seven: The responsibilities of Imams and religious leaders

• Knowledge and character

  • Religious leaders should combine knowledge of Islam and its principles with sincerity and good conduct. They should be humble, patient, and demonstrate wisdom in their leadership, as well as understand modern social issues and Swedish legislation.
• Cultural awareness and guidance

  • Religious leaders should be aware of the political and cultural context in Sweden and be able to balance Islamic principles with Swedish culture. They should provide guidance based on knowledge and integrity, and be impartial and honest in their advice.
• Responsible advice and knowledge transfer

  • Religious statements should come from recognized institutions. We warn against unreliable or extreme religious statements, especially on social media. Religious knowledge should primarily be taught directly by knowledgeable teachers, not solely through the internet or books, and we emphasize the importance of choosing reliable sources for religious knowledge.

Approval and acceptance of the document

• Initial review

  • Carried out by a specially appointed committee, established at the annual meeting in March 2016
  • The committee held its first meeting on August 26, 2016, to review and revise the document
  • Protocol number: 2016/DO.01/March
• Extraordinary Annual Meeting

  • Date: January 16, 2017
  • Decision: Unanimous adoption of the document
• Final Approval

  • Instance: Imam Malek Society and the Swedish Council of Religious Affairs
  • Date: July 1, 2017, at the regular meeting
  • Result: The document was adopted in its current and final form
• The Statutes Committee:

  1. Naji Ahmed, Västberga
  2. Souad Khatou, Huddinge
  3. Mohammed El Mekkaoui, Spånga
  4. Amin Bakkali, Hässelby
  5. Abdellatif Bourkier, Vällingby
  6. Adnan El Baghdadi, Fittja
  7. Samira Nabil, Huddinge
  8. Adel El Abboudi, Skärholmen
  9. Saadia Asry, Spånga
  10. Laallam Mohamed, Handen
  11. Abdelhamid Shahin, Norrköping
  12. Abdelilah Aabou, Handen
  13. Samira Daoudi, Stockholm
  14. Jamila Bechtioui, Sundbyberg
  15. Salwa El-Shubaki, Stockholm
  16. Samir Ramz, Sollentuna

• Signatures

  • Meeting chairperson______________________
  • Minutes secretary ______________________
  • Approved and signed by ______________________
  • Approved and signed by ______________________

Note:

All content in this document is copyright protected by the Imam Malek Society and the Swedish Council of Churches, 2017.

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