Before I began writing this topic, it seemed as huge as a towering mountain. Nevertheless, I decided to tackle it.

May 9 is celebrated as Europe Day. On that day, Europeans, nearly 490 million people, celebrate their level of development and quality of life, often considered unparalleled in terms of peace, prosperity, justice, and democracy. It is also an opportunity to assess the achievements of the European Union and its member states.

It is perfectly understandable and well deserved that Europeans celebrate such a day, given the many historical and contemporary factors behind their success.

The purpose of this modest article is to explore two questions:

Is it logical for Muslim Arab communities living in Europe to celebrate this day as well?

Are Muslims currently making a sufficiently positive contribution to Europe to justify sharing in this celebration?

In my humble opinion, Muslims living in Europe have not yet reached a position that would justify celebrating Europe Day in the same way. Perhaps we should wait until European governments establish a hypothetical “Day of Backwardness and the Backward People Living in Europe.” Then, Muslims could celebrate their own special day.

This statement is, of course, satirical, but it reflects concerns that the author wishes to highlight.

In several European countries hosting large Muslim populations, including France, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands, the reality of many Muslim communities is, according to the author, not always a source of pride.

Europeans are often accused of racism and hostility toward immigrants, particularly those of Arab and Muslim origin. However, the author argues that before blaming others, Muslims should first take an honest look at themselves.

According to him, the problem does not lie with Islam as a religion of values, ethics, and knowledge. Rather, it lies in the behavior of some Muslims, whose actions contribute to negative perceptions and social tensions.

Many remain deeply attached to the customs and mindsets of their countries of origin. They continue to approach life in Europe through the same cultural lens they had before migrating, without sufficiently adapting to the realities of European societies.

Europe is sometimes viewed merely as a place from which one can benefit economically through healthcare systems, social assistance, and public services, while resisting aspects of its legal framework and social values.

The author cites several examples frequently involved in public debates:

refusing to allow male doctors to treat female family members;

disagreements over restrictions on veils and face coverings;

objections to regulations concerning ritual animal slaughter;

frustrations regarding employment opportunities;

opposition to referendums or decisions limiting the construction of minarets.

According to the author, such issues contribute to a perception among some Europeans that Muslims reject integration into the societies in which they live.

He also identifies several factors that, in his view, damage the image of Muslim communities in Europe:

the lack of political, scientific, or social achievements in many Arab countries;

the modest condition of some places of worship;

ideological conflicts among different Muslim groups;

religious sermons that do not address the realities of life in Europe;

insufficient command of the local language;

neglect of personal appearance, cleanliness, or public spaces;

disruptive behavior in public areas;

and the association of some immigrant youth with crime and drug-related offenses.

This leads him to ask a broader question: are Muslim communities active contributors to European progress and development?

His answer is no. He believes that their positive contribution remains limited and that they have not yet become a significant driving force within European societies.

He supports this view by quoting the Moroccan thinker Mehdi El Mandjra:

“The issue is not the future of Islam in Europe. Islam will continue to spread and flourish as it has done for centuries. What is truly worrying is the future of Muslims in Europe.”

The article concludes by stating that European peoples and governments may legitimately celebrate Europe Day on May 9, while Muslims, according to the author’s perspective, remain on the margins of modern progress and civilization.

 

Written by: Mounir El Ghiouani