Moderation immunizes Comoros Islands against extremism'

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Islam Mohamed

Secretary General of the Fatwa Council in the Comoros Islands has referred to the important role played by al-Azhar in spreading the ideals of moderate Islam in his country.

The graduates of al-Azhar University, Sheikh al-Sayed Abdullah Rifqi said, are the ones who lead the Comoros Islands' religious renaissance at present.

He said the Fatwa Council, the most senior Islamic authority in the Comoros Islands, does not only deliver opinions derived from the Islamic religion, but also plays a role in spreading social peace in the Arab African state.

He added in an interview with The Reference that the people of his country prefer moderate Islam and oppose extremism and terrorism.

Here is the interview The Reference conducted with Rifqi in detail:

For a start, what is the mission of the Fatwa Council in the Comoros Islands?

Apart from delivering religious opinions about everything in the day-to-day life of Muslims, the council offers guidance to the same citizens on religious affairs. However, its role does not stop here. The council also settles disputes between people and mediates to solve problems. It even mediates in disputes that erupt between citizens and the government.

Is it the most senior religious body in the Comoros Islands?

Yes, it is. The council is an affiliate of the presidency. It oversees all religious activities in the Comoros Islands.

Can you give us some information about the school of Islamic thought the Fatwa Council of the Comoros Islands belongs to?

We are Sunni Muslims. We especially follow the school of thought of Imam al-Shafie. Nonetheless, we hold all other schools of thought in high esteem. Shiite Islam is not as widespread in the Comoros Islands as some people tend to believe.

Why is the Comoros Islands almost free from extremism?

Extremist ideas have no place in our country. We are moderate Muslims.

Why is this?

This boils down to the awareness campaigns we launch to spread correct information about the Islamic religion among people. Preachers play a big role in society. We do not say we do our job in a perfect manner, but we try to be perfect. Awareness of correct Islam immunizes people against extremism.

What about the role of al-Azhar?

Al-Azhar plays a very big role in the Comoros Islands. The vast majority of the country's leaders are graduates of al-Azhar University. Egypt is the Mecca of knowledge and scholars. The graduates of al-Azhar University in Egypt go back to the Comoros Islands to occupy ministerial and senior positions.

Is there anything you want to say to the leaders of al-Azhar?

I thank them on behalf of my country and its people. We hold al-Azhar and the Arab Republic of Egypt in very high esteem. They play a big role in boosting moderate Islam. We only hope al-Azhar can increase the number of scholarships it offers to students from the Comoros Islands.