Latest news with #MuslimExecutiveofBelgium
Ya Biladi
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Belgium's Muslim Executive urges Justice Minister to reject recognition of contested council
Muslim Executive of Belgium (EMB) has urged the Minister of Justice, Annelies Verlinden (CD&V), not to grant permanent recognition to the Muslim Council of Belgium (CMB), whose temporary two-year accreditation is set to expire in June. In a statement received by Yabiladi on Wednesday, the EMB responded to a request submitted by the CMB, recalling that «four private individuals — neither elected, legitimate, nor representative — were appointed arbitrarily by the former Minister of Justice without consulting the grassroots community». The EMB, which had its official recognition revoked by Vincent Van Quickenborne (Open Vld) through a royal decree on September 29, 2022, stressed that this government-imposed shift «caused confusion and rejection within the community», especially with the «remote-controlled creation of the non-profit organization CMB». The EMB strongly denounced the «submission of a new project by unelected individuals, without consultation with mosques and representing only a minority of them — individuals lacking both democratic legitimacy and community representation». «An organization that is not grounded in the community base, namely the mosques, cannot claim to represent the Muslim faith, let alone the Muslim community in our country», the EMB further criticized. It called on Annelies Verlinden to reject what it described as an «illegitimate» project and to «open a sincere dialogue» with representatives «emerging from the democratic process of 2014», the year in which the EMB was elected by 292 of the 300 mosques in Belgium. The EMB added that this representation was updated in January 2022 and «remains in effect», overseen by a commission that developed the electoral process and «currently represents a vast majority of the country's mosques». In 2023, the elected body was dismissed «without legitimate reason and in an illegal manner, by political decision», the EMB stated. In a letter, the president of the CMB, Esma Uçan, informed the current Minister of Justice that she will not run in the upcoming elections for the renewal of the Council's leadership. Her decision not to seek re-election follows the withdrawal of two key components — Diyanet and Milli Görüş — both of which represent dozens of mosques.
Morocco World
29-03-2025
- General
- Morocco World
Eid Al Fitr 2025 Date Confirmed for 30 March in Belgium
Mrirt – Eid Al Fitr, marking the conclusion of Ramadan, is confirmed that it is going to be celebrated on March 30 in Belgium. The Muslim Executive of Belgium (EMD) confirmed the date in a Facebook post on its official page, following its Council of Theologians' video conference meeting today. Marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, also known as the 'Festival to Break the Fast,' is a significant occasion for the Muslim community in Belgium, which is home to approximately 450,000 Muslims. The vast majority of Belgium's Muslim population came over as migrants after a series of bilateral agreements were signed in 1964 with both Morocco and Turkiye – the two nationalities that represent 80% to 90% of the Muslim community. Like other countries around the world, Belgian Muslims have to pay Zakat al-Fitr, which is a sum of charity money shared across disadvantaged Muslim communities so that everyone can have the chance to celebrate Eid. The local Council of Theologians attached to the EMB set this year's zakat at €10. The Eid morning commences with a special prayer at local mosques, where Muslims attend the imam's (religious leader) khutba (sermon/teachings). Muslim practitioners gather in the special prayer to exchange greetings, express gratitude, and seek blessings. When done with the prayers, Muslim families assemble to share and enjoy traditional meals featuring traditional dishes and sweets. Moroccan communities serve homemade cookies and pastries such as mssmen and baghrir, while Turkish families often prepare baklava soaked in honey. During religious celebrations, the Muslim population in Belgium never forgets the suffering of their fellow Muslims in Gaza. Last year, several initiatives succeeded in raising a huge amount of financial support for Palestine. The celebration fosters a sense of unity and cultural richness, as Muslims, Moroccans, Turkish, Syrians, Afghans, Eritreans and others across Belgium come together to observe this important religious event.
Morocco World
28-02-2025
- General
- Morocco World
First Day of Ramadan 2025 in Belgium Confirmed March 1
Rabat – The first day of Ramadan in Belgium is confirmed to be March 1, according to a Facebook post shared today on the official page of the Muslim Executive of Belgium (EMB). The EMB confirmed the news, wishing 'the entire Muslim community in Belgium a blessed month and hopes that this period will be marked by wisdom, patience.' Although the Muslim population in Belgium remains statistically uncertain, estimates ranging from 4.0% to 7.6% of the nation's total inhabitants identify as followers of Islam. This sacred period of fasting, prayer, and spiritual growth holds special significance for Belgian Muslims, primarily of Moroccan and Turkish origin, alongside communities from Algeria, Tunisia, and various sub-Saharan African nations. Accomplishing fasting during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which lasts from 29 to 30 days, is one of the five pillars of Islam that define a Muslim's faith and practices. The rhythm of Ramadan transforms daily life as Muslims rise before dawn for suhoor, the pre-fast meal designed to sustain them through daylight hours. From sunrise to sunset, practicing Muslims abstain from food and drink, breaking their fast at iftar, traditionally beginning with dates and water before enjoying a more substantial meal. Throughout Belgium, the spirit of Ramadan manifests in warm gatherings as families and friends come together for iftar celebrations. Coming from different cultural backgrounds, Muslims in Belgium tend to have different iftar customs and practices. Mosques and Islamic centers across the country open their doors for community iftars, creating spaces where both Muslims and non-Muslims can share in the experience and foster greater understanding. This Ramadan arrives during challenging times, as Belgium has been confronting a troubling increase in Islamophobic incidents. On January 24, the EMB released a press release concerning an attack against a mosque, expressing 'its deep concern following the foiled attack … planned by a minor,' and urging 'combating extremist ideologies, particularly online,' that target Muslim minorities. Despite these challenges, Ramadan represents an opportunity for dialogue and bridge-building. Many Belgian Muslims see this month as an opportunity to strengthen community bonds while sharing the values of compassion, charity, and reflection that lie at the heart of Ramadan.
