Mosques In Non-Muslim Countries
But the situation in Europe and America is different. Traditionally, they are Christian countries. Their culture, their outlook and their way of life are all built upon values that are influenced by their religion. Secularism is a new concept which did not go so deep in the conscience of the society that it could uproot the basic Christian values. Moreover, they consider their way of life far superior to others', and their expectation is that those who accept their hospitality should be absorbed in their culture.
We, Muslims, used to look to them as more advanced in civilization than we are. This is a fact of the situation that we should not ignore. To counter all these influences; to preserve our Islamic identity; to give to the community in which we live; to show that Muslims are there to enrich the host community - through the introduction of the new dimension in their life, the dimension of Islam - we have to be rationally and intellectually capable of presenting our case in the context that is appreciated by the people among whom we live.
The practical example is the most tangible, understandable demonstration. This should be more clearly shown in the institutions we evolve in the West. The most important of these institutions is the mosque. It is the symbol of Islam and Muslims. The mosque should be the focus of attention in presenting our religious experience.
To put it in practical terms, let's first focus on the requirements mentioned in the recommendations of the first Conference for the message of the mosque in relation to the design of the mosque, particularly the facilities for young people, women, and children. Many of the terraced houses used as mosques do not have facilities for women. Even some purpose-built mosques do not have such facilities. The orientation of Muslim institutions in the West is almost a male orientation. Young Muslim girls and Muslim women are to a large degree excluded from Islamic activities. This gives the impression that the Islamic religion is a male religion.
This is a serious challenge we must face. Our daughters and sisters are exposed to many cultural influences in the West. Unless and until we provide for them within the Islamic institutions real, meaningful Islamic alternatives, they will be absorbed in the other social institutions that cater for their youthful energy and cultural fulfillment.
Second, as to the role of the imam, most Muslim communities seem to be satisfied to receive the conventional services the imam in their native countries used to give them despite the limited prospective that was satisfying their limited needs there.
The imam in the West is a reflection of the Muslim community. He is their link with the people around. If he is able to communicate, to express his convictions, and to answer questions, then he is an asset to them. Schools, hospitals, and local authorities call upon the imam, as they are used to calling upon the priest. An imam who cannot speak English or the local language of the country he resides in is a hindrance to the function of the mosque and a disservice to the Islamic cause.
The Muslim community must face up to the challenge of the new environment in terms of improving their institutions, the functionaries in these institutions, and the facilities they provide for their members. Above all, they have to improve their image culturally, religiously, and educationally through the improvement of the image of the mosque as the pilot of the light of Islam.