Will Imams now speak Italian? At last. However, the fact is that the Members of the Muslim Council proposed this idea almost two years ago. The Council, created thanks to former Interior Minister Pisanu’s good judgment, and confirmed by his successor Amato, was obstructed by Minister Maroni. The solutions proposed by the Council must have been positive ones since others came to this same or similar conclusions. Imams will eventually speak in Italian. One hopes the intention is not to control or spy on them, but to ensure their message reaches those interested in Islam. Among them there may also be Italians or Chinese.

This requires a language known to everyone, even if distant from Muslim culture and tradition. This means that a new form of spreading the message is necessary. Professing one’s own faith is a fundamental right and for some even a necessity. This is a fundamental right of all human beings, alongside freedom of expression and thought, and must be protected and respected. Would it not be a good idea to take a second look at the proposals put forward by the Muslim Council so long ago? The Council suggested creating schools in which Imams could be educated, transparency of funding for mosques as well as control over the money’s origin. Why persevere with harsh opposition to the creation of new mosques, which seems more like a new crusade than a problem involving public order? Would it not be better for the security forces to supervise buildings created for worship, instead of old gyms and basements? The priority is to establish a Foundation for Italian Islam, recognised by the Government and strengthened by mutual understanding. It should also be possible to devolve a percentage of income tax as is the case for other faiths. Making information about funding public and transparent is a wise and democratic decision. Islam is by its own vocation a horizontal religion, without ecclesiastic hierarchies. Continuous attacks and prohibitions distort the intimate nature of Islam, increasing the Muslim community’s need to appoint leaders. All parties in this dispute must cooperate. Lowering the flame before the pan catches fire is simply wise and has nothing to do with ideas of a Muslim invasion.

The Foundation would help the development of an Italian Islam, which does not necessarily mean “Westernized.” It must instead mean “pluralistic.” Italy sees Islam as an unicum, just like the Catholic Church with its own State and hierarchical structure throughout the world. But this does not apply to Islam, which adapts to the cultural patterns it encounters. Currently, Islam in Italy is a kaleidoscope of practices with many different parts. This should justify the need to give Italian Muslims a structure with which they can be reconciled and identify themselves. Imams in Italy have to speak Italian not only to interact and promote cultural exchanges with the Italians, but primarily to guarantee the next generation the right to full citizenship; the right to be Italians and, for those wishing, the right to profess the Islamic faith.

Ejaz Ahmad is a member of the Council for Italian Islam and editor in chief of the review Azad.

Translated by Claudia Durastanti