We return to the organization of the Muslim faith, which must enable believers of this religion to practice it in comfortable and dignified conditions. Naturally, a different matter is the use of this practice for propagating principles that are not respectful of the laws of the Republic.
“Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto Christ what is Christ’s,” says the Gospel, and this principle represents the separation between faith, which is a gift from God for those who receive it, and the rights and duties of the citizen, which find expression in the law.
The same cannot be said for those who oppose the Muslim faith out of fear of Islamization of society and in the name of a division that could be defined as “souchiste.” A position understood for its propaganda appeal but offering no positive contribution to a real problem: Communitarianism is combated with integration and assimilation, starting from the fact that religion is, sociologically and historically, a factor in the aggregation of emigrant populations.
Therefore, more understanding, more bridges, and fewer walls are needed in this so-called “sensitive” matter. The path is difficult, but the aim is achievable if each person tries to understand the reasons of others.
It is in this sense that Christian Estrosi must stay the course!
The facts summarized
The announcement of the construction of a Muslim cultural center with a prayer hall for 1,000 people in the Plaine du Var, thanks to the purchase and conversion of an existing building, has reignited the debate and controversy over a problem that, for real reasons and others of political exploitation, has filled the agenda of Nice’s life for some time.
The investment necessary for such an operation “would be” the donation of a wealthy Saudi businessman (who remains anonymous), which has rekindled suspicion about the origin of the funds.
On this subject, it must be reminded that the French state is equipped with a public monitoring body, TRACFIN°, capable of providing all the necessary information.
The motivation for such a gesture is not as unusual as it might appear. In fact, it is traditional for people and religions, from the beginning of humanity and through the centuries to this day, for donations and legacies to contribute to the building of places of worship or votive, whether individually or collectively.
Many churches and even Christian cathedrals have this origin! However, this initiative escaped the coordination set up by the Mayor of Nice with Muslim religious organizations, as this association is not one of those with whom the Mayor has established an information and permanent consultation cell.
But what to say if a private individual buys a property for a use that is not prohibited by law? Clinging to the problem of traffic and parking… This seems a bit light when observing the situation in many places in the city, not to mention parking that is far from having any order that respects regulations!
“The practice of the Muslim faith in Nice” must be exercised “in compliance with the laws of the Republic and secularity, which I ensure to apply everywhere within the responsibilities that are mine,” recently declared Dr. Dalil Boubakeur, Rector of the Great Mosque of Paris.
It is known that the Muslim galaxy, not having the same centralized and hierarchical structure as Christian churches, can organize itself by groups of believers in an autonomous manner.
But again, what to say if a private individual buys a property for a use that is not prohibited by law?
So, stop the simplifications and pay attention to the follow-up!
° TRACFIN (Handling of Intelligence and Action against Secret FINancial Circuits) is an agency of the French Ministry of Finance responsible for combating money laundering.
