BARBADOS: COHESION AND COEXISTENCE — EML PEACE AMBASSADOR SULEIMAN BULBULIA HIGHLIGHTS MORE THAN A CENTURY OF MUSLIM PRESENCE

The European Muslims League (EML) highlights the experience of Barbados, where its Peace Ambassador, Suleiman Bulbulia, continues to promote historical awareness, social cohesion and peaceful coexistence among different communities.

On 28 August 2026, Bulbulia delivered a presentation at the Daphne Joseph Hackett Theatre in Queen’s Park as part of the Barbados Archives Department’s “Stewards of National Memory” lecture series.

His presentation explored the history and contribution of Indian and Muslim communities to Barbadian society through archival records, family histories, photographs, letters and oral memories.

The initiative subsequently received media attention from the Daily Nation of Barbados and an extensive report published by Caribbean Muslims on 7 September 2026.

The historical research shows that the Muslim story of Barbados goes even further back than the arrival of Indian Muslim merchants in the twentieth century. Evidence cited during the presentation points to the presence of Muslims among enslaved Africans on the island, while later Bengali and Gujarati Muslim migrants played an important role in establishing Islamic institutions and contributing to Barbadian economic and social life.

Bulbulia identified several areas in which Indian and Muslim communities have contributed to Barbados, including religion, culture, food, language, philanthropy and the economy.

Their history also included periods of prejudice and hostility. Yet, after more than a century of organised Indian and Muslim presence, these communities have become deeply embedded in the social and cultural fabric of Barbados.

This experience carries a message that extends far beyond the Caribbean.

At a time when religion, migration and identity are frequently presented through the language of confrontation, Barbados demonstrates that maintaining one’s religious and cultural identity does not prevent integration into a wider national community.

For the European Muslims League, this is an important example of what genuine coexistence can mean: not erasing differences, but allowing different identities to contribute to a shared society.

The experience also reinforces a principle at the heart of the EML Peace Ambassadors Network: dialogue, historical knowledge and mutual respect are essential instruments for preventing prejudice and strengthening social cohesion.

The question should therefore not simply be whether Muslims, Christians, Jews and people of different cultures can live together.

History already demonstrates that they can.

The real challenge is to create the social, cultural and educational conditions that allow diversity to become a source of enrichment rather than division.

The European Muslims League expresses its appreciation for the work of its Peace Ambassador in Barbados, Suleiman Bulbulia, and for his contribution to preserving the historical memory of the Muslim community and promoting a culture of coexistence and social cohesion.

FULL EXTERNAL REPORT:

Caribbean Muslims – “From Forgotten Traces to National Memory: Barbados Reconsiders the Indian and Muslim Story”

https://www.caribbeanmuslims.com/from-forgotten-traces-to-national-memory-barbados-reconsiders-the-indian-and-muslim-story

VERSIONE ITALIANA

BARBADOS: COESIONE E CONVIVENZA — L’AMBASCIATORE DI PACE EML SULEIMAN BULBULIA RACCONTA OLTRE UN SECOLO DI PRESENZA MUSULMANA

La European Muslims League (EML) richiama l’attenzione sull’esperienza di Barbados, dove il proprio Ambasciatore di Pace, Suleiman Bulbulia, continua a promuovere la conoscenza storica, la coesione sociale e la convivenza pacifica tra comunità diverse.

Il 28 agosto 2026 Bulbulia ha tenuto una presentazione presso il Daphne Joseph Hackett Theatre di Queen’s Park, nell’ambito della serie di incontri “Stewards of National Memory” promossa dal Barbados Archives Department.

Il suo intervento ha approfondito la storia e il contributo delle comunità indiane e musulmane alla società barbadiana attraverso documenti d’archivio, storie familiari, fotografie, lettere e testimonianze orali.

L’iniziativa ha successivamente ricevuto attenzione dal Daily Nation di Barbados e un ampio approfondimento pubblicato da Caribbean Muslims il 7 settembre 2026.

La ricerca storica mostra inoltre che la presenza musulmana a Barbados precede l’arrivo dei commercianti musulmani indiani del XX secolo. Le testimonianze citate durante la presentazione indicano infatti la presenza di musulmani tra gli africani ridotti in schiavitù sull’isola, mentre successivamente migranti musulmani bengalesi e gujarati svolsero un ruolo importante nella creazione delle istituzioni islamiche e nello sviluppo economico e sociale di Barbados.

Bulbulia ha individuato diversi ambiti nei quali le comunità indiane e musulmane hanno contribuito alla società barbadiana: religione, cultura, alimentazione, lingua, filantropia ed economia.

La loro storia ha conosciuto anche momenti di pregiudizio e ostilità. Eppure, dopo oltre un secolo di presenza organizzata indiana e musulmana, queste comunità sono ormai profondamente integrate nel tessuto sociale e culturale di Barbados.

È un’esperienza che trasmette un messaggio ben oltre i confini dei Caraibi.

In un momento storico nel quale religione, immigrazione e identità vengono frequentemente rappresentate attraverso il linguaggio dello scontro, Barbados dimostra che conservare la propria identità religiosa e culturale non impedisce di integrarsi pienamente in una comunità nazionale più ampia.

Per la European Muslims League questo rappresenta un esempio importante di autentica convivenza: non cancellare le differenze, ma permettere alle diverse identità di contribuire alla costruzione di una società condivisa.

Questa esperienza rafforza inoltre uno dei principi fondamentali della rete degli Ambasciatori di Pace EML: dialogo, conoscenza storica e rispetto reciproco sono strumenti essenziali per prevenire i pregiudizi e rafforzare la coesione sociale.

La domanda, quindi, non dovrebbe essere semplicemente se musulmani, cristiani, ebrei e persone appartenenti a culture differenti possano vivere insieme.

La storia dimostra già che possono farlo.

La vera sfida è creare le condizioni sociali, culturali ed educative affinché la diversità diventi una ricchezza anziché un motivo di divisione.

La European Muslims League esprime il proprio apprezzamento per l’attività del suo Ambasciatore di Pace a Barbados, Suleiman Bulbulia, e per il suo contributo alla conservazione della memoria storica della comunità musulmana e alla promozione di una cultura della convivenza e della coesione sociale.

APPROFONDIMENTO ESTERNO:

Caribbean Muslims – “From Forgotten Traces to National Memory: Barbados Reconsiders the Indian and Muslim Story”

https://www.caribbeanmuslims.com/from-forgotten-traces-to-national-memory-barbados-reconsiders-the-indian-and-muslim-story

EML Vice-President Dr. Arben Ramkaj: From Raqqa to Bab el-Mandeb, the Changing Geography of Extremism

The European Muslims League (EML) highlights a new analysis by its Vice-President, Dr. Arben Ramkaj, published on 12 September 2026 by Tirana Observatory, the quarterly magazine of the Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS).

Entitled “From Raqqa to Bab el-Mandeb”, the article examines how the nature and strategic geography of terrorism and violent extremism have evolved during the twenty-five years since the attacks of 11 September 2001.

Dr. Ramkaj analyses the transition from Al-Qaeda’s attacks against symbolic targets, through ISIS and its attempt to control territory, to emerging security threats capable of affecting strategic maritime routes and the arteries of the global economy.

Particular attention is devoted to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, connecting the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean, and to the risks arising from possible forms of operational cooperation between extremist actors despite their different ideological backgrounds.

The analysis reflects an important principle also shared by the European Muslims League: preventing extremism requires understanding not only its ideological dimension, but also its capacity to adapt to changing geopolitical, technological and economic circumstances.

Dr. Arben Ramkaj is Vice-President of the European Muslims League and an expert in interfaith dialogue, international relations and religious diplomacy. His work focuses particularly on the prevention of extremism, peaceful coexistence, the Middle East and the Western Balkans.

The European Muslims League considers research, interreligious dialogue and religious diplomacy essential instruments for preventing radicalization and strengthening peaceful and secure societies.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE:

“From Raqqa to Bab el-Mandeb”

Tirana Observatory – 12 September 2026

https://tiranaobservatory.com/2026/09/12/from-raqqa-to-bab-el-mandeb/

European Muslims League (EML)

Peace • Dialogue • Cooperation

Indonesia: EML Peace Ambassador Prof. Halim Alim Meets Special Advisor to the Minister of Religious Affairs

The European Muslims League (EML) highlights a significant institutional meeting in Indonesia, where Prof. Halim Alim, EML Peace Ambassador and Representative in Indonesia, met with Gugun Gumilar, Ph.D., Special Advisor to the Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, whose responsibilities include international cooperation and the strengthening of religious moderation.

The meeting provided an important opportunity for dialogue on religious harmony, peaceful coexistence and the value of Indonesia’s experience at a time of growing international tensions.

Indonesia: Unity in Diversity

Indonesia, a Muslim-majority country characterized by remarkable religious, ethnic and cultural diversity, represents a particularly significant example of coexistence.

In a society where Muslims constitute the majority, people belonging to other faiths are free to worship and practice their religions according to their respective beliefs.

This spirit is embodied in Indonesia’s national motto:

“Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” — Unity in Diversity.

Differences in religion, ethnicity and cultural heritage do not prevent people from belonging to the same society and contributing together to its future.

This message is particularly important at the present historical moment.

Religion can unfortunately be manipulated to fuel polarization, division and conflict. The European Muslims League believes instead that religion should contribute to bringing peoples closer together, encouraging dialogue, promoting mutual respect and building peace.

The Role of EML Peace Ambassadors

This is also at the heart of the mission of the international network of European Muslims League Peace Ambassadors: to identify, support and highlight concrete experiences demonstrating that different religious identities can coexist peacefully while preserving their respective identities.

The work of Prof. Halim Alim in Indonesia and his dialogue with institutional representatives reflect this mission and contribute to strengthening EML’s commitment to promoting dialogue and peaceful coexistence internationally.

Indonesia’s experience therefore joins the positive models that EML intends to highlight around the world.

The meeting with Gugun Gumilar provides a further opportunity to underline the importance of dialogue and cooperation in building societies where diversity is not perceived as a threat, but as a reality to be understood and respected.

Different in faith and heritage, united in humanity, harmony and peace.

The European Muslims League believes that successful models of coexistence should not remain confined within national borders. They should be recognized and shared so that societies and peoples can learn from one another.

Peace does not belong to one continent. It is a responsibility shared by all.

European Muslims League (EML)
Peace • Dialogue • Cooperation

EML Vice-President Arben Ramkaj Welcomes High-Level Italian Delegation in Elbasan

ENGLISH

Elbasan, Albania – Dr. Arben Ramkaj, Vice-President of the European Muslims League (EML), welcomed a distinguished delegation from Italy at the Interreligious Cooperation Center in Elbasan for a meeting dedicated to interreligious dialogue and cooperation among Europe’s religious communities.

The delegation included Luca Anziani, President of the Opera for Methodist Evangelical Churches in Italy (OPCEMI), Claudio Paravati, Director of the Confronti Study Center and magazine in Rome, Pastor Maliq Meda, and researcher Rando Devole.

During the meeting, Dr. Ramkaj highlighted Albania’s distinctive experience of coexistence among different religious communities, stressing how this heritage can contribute to developing stronger European cooperation in interreligious dialogue, social cohesion and peacebuilding.

The discussions also explored opportunities for closer cooperation between Albanian and Italian institutions, religious communities and civil society, encouraging the development of joint initiatives, meetings and exchanges of experience.

The visit continued at the historic King Mosque of Elbasan, where the delegation was welcomed by the Mufti of Elbasan, H. Agim Duka, and introduced to the city’s centuries-old religious and cultural heritage.

The President of the European Muslims League, Alfredo Maiolese, stated:

«“At a time when tensions, conflicts and divisions are increasing, we need to multiply the places where people of different religions and cultures can meet and work together. Albania’s experience demonstrates that religious coexistence is not a utopia, but a possible reality. The meeting promoted by our Vice-President Arben Ramkaj represents precisely the mission of the European Muslims League: building bridges between people, communities and countries. Albania and Italy can work together to strengthen a European network of dialogue, because peace is built first and foremost by knowing and respecting one another.”»

For the European Muslims League, building bridges between religious communities and connecting experiences from different European countries represents an essential part of its mission.

Interreligious dialogue must not be limited to declarations of principle; it must be transformed into meetings, relationships and concrete cooperation.

The experience of Elbasan demonstrates how Albania and Italy can work together to build a European network capable of promoting mutual respect, coexistence, social cohesion and peace.

---

ITALIANO

Il Vicepresidente EML Arben Ramkaj accoglie una delegazione italiana di alto livello a Elbasan

Elbasan, Albania – Il Dr. Arben Ramkaj, Vicepresidente della European Muslims League (EML), ha accolto presso il Centro per la Cooperazione Interreligiosa di Elbasan una qualificata delegazione proveniente dall’Italia, nell’ambito di un incontro dedicato al dialogo interreligioso e alla cooperazione tra le comunità religiose europee.

La delegazione comprendeva Luca Anziani, Presidente dell’Opera per le Chiese Evangeliche Metodiste in Italia (OPCEMI), Claudio Paravati, Direttore del Centro Studi e della rivista Confronti di Roma, il Pastore Maliq Meda e il ricercatore Rando Devole.

Nel corso dell’incontro, il Dr. Ramkaj ha evidenziato la particolare esperienza dell’Albania nella convivenza tra differenti comunità religiose, sottolineando come questo patrimonio possa contribuire allo sviluppo di una più ampia cooperazione europea nel campo del dialogo interreligioso, della coesione sociale e della costruzione della pace.

Il confronto ha inoltre permesso di approfondire possibili forme di collaborazione tra realtà albanesi e italiane, comunità religiose e società civile, favorendo lo sviluppo di iniziative comuni, incontri e scambi di esperienze.

La visita è proseguita presso la storica Moschea del Re di Elbasan, dove la delegazione è stata accolta dal Mufti di Elbasan, H. Agim Duka, e ha avuto modo di conoscere più da vicino il patrimonio religioso e culturale della città.

Il Presidente della European Muslims League, Alfredo Maiolese, ha dichiarato:

««In un momento storico nel quale aumentano tensioni, conflitti e divisioni, abbiamo bisogno di moltiplicare i luoghi nei quali persone di religioni e culture differenti possano incontrarsi e lavorare insieme. L’esperienza albanese dimostra che la convivenza religiosa non è un’utopia, ma una realtà possibile. L’incontro promosso dal nostro Vicepresidente Arben Ramkaj rappresenta esattamente la missione della European Muslims League: costruire ponti tra persone, comunità e Paesi. Albania e Italia possono contribuire insieme a rafforzare una rete europea del dialogo, perché la pace si costruisce prima di tutto conoscendosi e rispettandosi.»»

Per la European Muslims League, creare ponti tra le comunità religiose e mettere in relazione esperienze provenienti da diversi Paesi europei rappresenta una parte essenziale del proprio impegno.

Il dialogo interreligioso non deve limitarsi alle dichiarazioni di principio, ma deve trasformarsi in incontri, relazioni e cooperazione concreta.

L’esperienza di Elbasan dimostra come Albania e Italia possano contribuire insieme alla costruzione di una rete europea capace di promuovere rispetto reciproco, convivenza, coesione sociale e pace.

European Muslims League (EML)

Building bridges between communities for a more peaceful and cohesive Europe.

IL CORANO CONTIENE ERRORI SCIENTIFICI?FACCIAMO CHIAREZZACorano 86:6–7EML DOES THE QURAN CONTAIN SCIENTIFIC ERRORS?LET'S CLARIFY THE FACTSQuran 86:6–7

IL CORANO DICE DAVVERO CHE LO SPERMA PROVIENE DALLA COLONNA VERTEBRALE E DALLE COSTOLE?

EML Islamophobia Watch – Fact Check

Sui social circola un'immagine che attribuisce al Corano questa frase:

“Sperm is ejected from the backbone and rib cage.”

“Lo sperma viene espulso dalla colonna vertebrale e dalla gabbia toracica.”

L'immagine vuole dimostrare un presunto errore scientifico del Corano. Ma quella frase non è ciò che dice il testo coranico.

Nella Sura At-Tāriq leggiamo:

خُلِقَ مِن مَّاءٍ دَافِقٍ ۝ يَخْرُجُ مِن بَيْنِ الصُّلْبِ وَالتَّرَائِبِ

“È stato creato da un fluido che sgorga, che esce fra al-ṣulb e al-tarāʾib.”

(Corano 86:6-7)

Il testo parla quindi di māʾ dāfiq, un “fluido che sgorga” o “fluido emesso”. Non afferma che gli spermatozoi siano prodotti dalla colonna vertebrale o dalle costole.

Per comprenderlo senza essere medici basta distinguere due cose.

Gli spermatozoi vengono prodotti nei testicoli. Durante l'eiaculazione, però, essi si uniscono ai liquidi prodotti da altre parti dell'apparato riproduttivo. L'insieme costituisce il liquido seminale che viene espulso.

Spermatozoi e liquido seminale, quindi, non sono esattamente la stessa cosa.

Anche la traduzione di al-ṣulb e al-tarāʾib richiede attenzione. I commentatori musulmani classici hanno tramandato diverse spiegazioni, in particolare per il termine al-tarāʾib. Ridurre tutto alla frase moderna “lo sperma viene prodotto dalla colonna vertebrale e dalle costole” significa attribuire al versetto un'affermazione che esso non contiene.

Esiste inoltre un dato anatomico interessante. Durante lo sviluppo del feto, i testicoli non nascono nello scroto: si sviluppano inizialmente all'interno dell'addome, sulla parete posteriore, in prossimità della regione dei reni, e successivamente discendono fino allo scroto.

Questo è un fatto riconosciuto dall'embriologia moderna. Non è necessario, tuttavia, trasformarlo forzatamente in una “prova scientifica” del versetto. È sufficiente riportare correttamente ciò che dice la medicina e ciò che dice il Corano.

Per i musulmani il Sacro Corano è la Parola rivelata da Allah. Proprio per questo le sue parole devono essere riportate con precisione.

La critica è legittima. Anche lo studio delle interpretazioni umane del testo è legittimo. Ma attribuire al Corano una frase che non pronuncia e poi confutare quella frase non costituisce una corretta verifica dei fatti.

Il meme parte quindi da una rappresentazione semplificata e fuorviante del versetto.

EML Islamophobia Watch non intende rispondere alla disinformazione con altra propaganda. Il nostro metodo rimane:

Monitor. Verify. Document. Respond.

Verificare prima di giudicare.

European Muslims League – EML

EML Islamophobia Watch – European Monitoring & Response Unit

DOES THE QURAN REALLY SAY THAT SPERM COMES FROM THE BACKBONE AND RIBS?

EML Islamophobia Watch – Fact Check

An image circulating on social media attributes the following statement to the Quran:

“Sperm is ejected from the backbone and rib cage.”

The image presents this as evidence of an alleged scientific error in the Quran. But this is not what the Quranic text actually says.

Surah At-Tariq states:

خُلِقَ مِن مَّاءٍ دَافِقٍ ۝ يَخْرُجُ مِن بَيْنِ الصُّلْبِ وَالتَّرَائِبِ

“He was created from a gushing fluid, emerging from between al-sulb and al-tara'ib.”

(Quran 86:6-7)

The Arabic expression is ma'in dafiq, meaning a “gushing” or “emitted fluid”. The verse does not state that sperm cells are produced by the backbone or the ribs.

The basic medical distinction is easy to understand.

Sperm cells are produced in the testes. During ejaculation, however, they combine with fluids produced by other parts of the male reproductive system. Together these substances form the semen that is expelled from the body.

Sperm cells and semen are therefore not exactly the same thing.

The Arabic terms al-sulb and al-tara'ib also require careful interpretation. Classical Muslim commentators transmitted different explanations, particularly regarding al-tara'ib. Reducing these terms to the modern statement “sperm is produced by the backbone and ribs” attributes to the verse something that it does not actually say.

There is also an interesting anatomical fact. During fetal development, the testes do not initially develop in the scrotum. They begin higher inside the abdomen, on its posterior wall near the kidney region, and subsequently descend into the scrotum.

This is established modern embryology. There is no need, however, to force this fact into a claim of a “scientific miracle”. It is enough to state accurately what medicine establishes and what the Quran actually says.

For Muslims, the Holy Quran is the revealed Word of Allah. For precisely this reason, its words must be represented accurately.

Criticism is legitimate, and human interpretations of a text can also be studied and discussed. But attributing a statement to the Quran that it does not make, and then disproving that statement, is not proper fact-checking.

The viral image therefore begins from an oversimplified and misleading representation of the verse.

EML Islamophobia Watch does not respond to misinformation with more propaganda. Our method remains:

Monitor. Verify. Document. Respond.

Verify before judging.

European Muslims League – EML

EML Islamophobia Watch – European Monitoring & Response Unit

EML Concludes a Headquarters Agreement with the Islamic Republic of Mauritania

ARABIC | العربية

# الرابطة الأوروبية للمسلمين توقع اتفاقية مقر مع الجمهورية الإسلامية الموريتانية

وقّعت الرابطة الأوروبية للمسلمين (EML) اتفاقية مقر مع حكومة الجمهورية الإسلامية الموريتانية، ممثلة بوزارة الشؤون الخارجية والتعاون الإفريقي والموريتانيين في الخارج.

وقد تم توقيع الاتفاقية عن الجانب الموريتاني من قبل معالي السيد محمد سالم ولد مرزوق، وزير الشؤون الخارجية والتعاون الإفريقي والموريتانيين في الخارج، وعن الرابطة الأوروبية للمسلمين من قبل الدكتور محمد ولد باه، رئيس تمثيل الرابطة في موريتانيا.

وتحدد اتفاقية المقر الإطار المؤسسي لوجود الرابطة وأنشطتها في موريتانيا، وتعزز التعاون في مجالات الحوار بين الثقافات والأديان، والتربية من أجل السلام، والوقاية من التطرف، والتفاهم المتبادل، ودعم المجتمعات المسلمة.

وتعبر هذه الخطوة عن التزام مشترك بالحوار والاحترام المتبادل والتعاون العملي من أجل السلام.

الرابطة الأوروبية للمسلمين – EML

FRANÇAIS

# La European Muslims League conclut un Accord de siège avec la République Islamique de Mauritanie

La European Muslims League (EML) a conclu un Accord de siège avec le Gouvernement de la République Islamique de Mauritanie, représenté par le Ministère des Affaires étrangères, de la Coopération africaine et des Mauritaniens de l’extérieur.

L’Accord a été signé pour la partie mauritanienne par S.E. M. Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Ministre des Affaires étrangères, de la Coopération africaine et des Mauritaniens de l’extérieur, et pour la European Muslims League par le Dr Mohamed Ould Bahah, Président de la Représentation EML en Mauritanie.

L’Accord de siège établit le cadre institutionnel de la présence et des activités de l’EML en Mauritanie. Il renforce la coopération dans les domaines du dialogue interculturel et interreligieux, de l’éducation à la paix, de la prévention de la radicalisation, de la compréhension mutuelle et du soutien aux communautés musulmanes.

Cette étape reflète un engagement commun en faveur du dialogue, du respect mutuel et d’une coopération concrète pour la paix.

European Muslims League – EML

ENGLISH

# European Muslims League Concludes a Headquarters Agreement with the Islamic Republic of Mauritania

The European Muslims League (EML) has concluded a Headquarters Agreement with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, represented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad.

The Agreement was signed on behalf of Mauritania by H.E. Mr Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad, and on behalf of the European Muslims League by Dr Mohamed Ould Bahah, President of the EML Representation in Mauritania.

The Headquarters Agreement establishes the institutional framework for EML’s presence and activities in Mauritania. It strengthens cooperation in the fields of intercultural and interreligious dialogue, peace education, prevention of radicalisation, mutual understanding and support for Muslim communities.

This step reflects a shared commitment to dialogue, mutual respect and practical cooperation for peace.

European Muslims League – EML

ITALIANO

# La European Muslims League conclude un Accordo di Sede con la Repubblica Islamica di Mauritania

La European Muslims League (EML) ha concluso un Accordo di Sede con il Governo della Repubblica Islamica di Mauritania, rappresentato dal Ministero degli Affari Esteri, della Cooperazione Africana e dei Mauritani all’Estero.

L’Accordo è stato firmato per la Mauritania da S.E. Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Ministro degli Affari Esteri, della Cooperazione Africana e dei Mauritani all’Estero, e per la European Muslims League dal Dott. Mohamed Ould Bahah, Presidente della Rappresentanza EML in Mauritania.

L’Accordo di Sede stabilisce il quadro istituzionale per la presenza e le attività di EML in Mauritania. Esso rafforza la cooperazione nei campi del dialogo interculturale e interreligioso, dell’educazione alla pace, della prevenzione della radicalizzazione, della comprensione reciproca e del sostegno alle comunità musulmane.

Questo passo riflette un impegno comune per il dialogo, il rispetto reciproco e una cooperazione concreta al servizio della pace.

European Muslims League – EML

AUSTRIA: EML WARNS AGAINST PLACING ISLAM AND IGGÖ UNDER COLLECTIVE SUSPICION

Photo: Yair Haklai / Wikimedia Commons – CC BY-SA 4.0

GENOA, ITALY, 5 September 2026 – The European Muslims League (EML) has issued an official position concerning Austria’s proposed ban on so-called “Political Islam” and statements suggesting that the measures could also affect the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ).

The EML recognises the duty of every democratic State to counter extremist organisations and activities aimed at undermining the constitutional order. However, security measures must be based on concrete conduct, verifiable evidence and individual responsibility.

If the expression “Political Islam” is not supported by a precise and legally enforceable definition, it could extend suspicion beyond extremist organisations to the public and organised presence of Muslims.

“No faith may be used against democracy, but no democracy can defend itself by treating an entire religious community as a potential enemy,” stated Dr Alfredo Maiolese, President of the European Muslims League.

The EML is not intervening in defence of any specific organisation mentioned in the Austrian debate. It calls for every measure to respect legality, necessity, proportionality and freedom of religion, without producing collective discrimination.

EML Islamophobia Watch has also observed that some Italian social media content has linked the controversy to the Battle of Vienna of 1683. This historical reference does not form part of the Austrian proposal and improperly presents European Muslims through the image of a past military confrontation.

Read the full official EML statement:

https://www.eml.fm/austria-eml-combat-extremism-without-placing-islam-under-suspicion/

EML ISLAMOPHOBIA WATCH

Monitor. Verify. Document. Respond.