Muslims fear mosques in Germany
The extremist-labeled Islamic Center Hamburg is banned. Several mosques have had their assets seized. Muslim organizations in Germany are now pushing to preserve the God-houses as such.
Following the ban on the Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH) in Frankfurt am Main, the Central Council of Muslims called for the preservation of the Blue Mosque. "We call on all sides to preserve the over 60-year-old mosque, as well as the other mosques affected by the ban and the long tradition of Shia life in Germany," the Central Council stated. The Central Council is seeking dialogue with Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser regarding possible interim solutions.
On Wednesday, the Federal Interior Ministry, after months of preparation, banned the IZH, considered a propaganda outpost of Iran. It is an "extremist organization of Islamism" with constitutional hostile intentions, which spreads "aggressive antisemitism," the ministry declared. The IZH-operated Blue Mosque on the Hamburg Outer Alster, as well as three other mosques in other federal states, and the remaining assets of the association were seized.
The Central Council of Muslims stated, "it is the task of a democratic state to defend itself against any form of extremism." The IZH now has all legal means at its disposal to challenge the ban. The IZH's membership in the Central Council was suspended since the beginning of the ban proceedings in November. The Central Council's task now is "to maintain the existing infrastructure for thousands of Shia Muslims."
The Council of Islamic Communities in Hamburg (Schura) also called for the preservation of the Blue Mosque. "We would like to emphasize that it is of great importance for Hamburg Muslims that the Blue Mosque on the Alster remains for the believers and is made accessible," the Schura stated. Political talks are currently underway, "which will be intensified in the coming time."
After the seizure of assets from several mosques due to extremist labeling, Muslim organizations in Berlin are advocating for the preservation of notable mosques like the Blue Mosque. In response to the ban on the Islamic Center Hamburg, Muslim organizations are urging for politics to respect the significance of mosques in Islamic practices.
