Report on the “Muslim Brotherhood”: the CFCM warns against amalgams

While Le Figaro recently revealed extracts from a report on “political Islamism and the movement of the Muslim Brotherhood”, the French Council for Muslim worship (CFCM) expresses its lively concerns about the potential effects of this document on the perception of Muslim citizens in France.

Commissioned by the State with two senior officials recognized for their expertise, this report is part of the fight against extremism claiming Islam. The CFCM recalls its support for this struggle, which it deems essential for all citizens. However, he alerts the absence of clear definitions of the terms used – such as “Muslim Brotherhood”, “political Islam” or “Islamist entrism” – which maintains an increasingly worrying confusion.

The institution warns against the risk of amalgams, stressing that the vagueness surrounding the identity of the people or the structures mentioned in the report could lead to unjust accusations. Places of worship, associations or individuals may thus be stigmatized without solid foundation.

The CFCM quotes a revealing example: “A researcher qualified as a” frequency specialist “, to whom large media stands are offered, did not hesitate to publicly accuse an impeccable magistrate of being an” frequist “, for the sole reason that he had a name with Maghreb consonance, that he had successfully succeeded and that he had founded an association of aid from working -class students. »»

And to add: “For this researcher, as for others, the simple fact of being Muslim – or perceived as such – and of successful success seems to be sufficient to give birth to suspicion. Such a vision is not only wrong, but deeply dangerous. It fractures our society and helps to marginalize the French of Muslim confession. »»

The CFCM calls for the responsibility of the authorities, experts and media to avoid any ideological or instrumental drift. The fight against extremism cannot justify the generalization or the food of fantasies which, on the ground, sometimes result in aggressions, discrimination or attacks on places of worship. In an already tense context, the CFCM insists on the need to deal with these questions with rigor, nuance and discernment, in order to preserve national cohesion and respect for republican principles.