The Grand Mosque on Bústaðavegur in Reykjavík has said it did not invite Pakistani religious leader Muhammad Taqi Usmani to Iceland, according to reporting by Mannlíf. The issue has drawn political concern because Usmani is seen as a controversial figure in Iceland, and some sources say he gave a lecture at the mosque.
The mosque further stated that no special assessment was made beforehand of Usmani’s controversial views prior to his religious lecture at the mosque last week. It remains unclear whether his presence was the result of a formal visit or an informal meeting, as conflicting reports have appeared in the Icelandic press.
According to Vísir, Usmani did not take part in a formal visit to the Grand Mosque. However, Morgunblaðið reported that he gave a religious lecture during a meeting at the mosque last Wednesday. The precise circumstances of his appearance have not yet been clarified.
Muhammad Taqi Usmani is 83 years old and a former judge in the Sharia appellate division of Pakistan’s Supreme Court, Vísir reports. Usmani is regarded as a prominent Islamic scholar, but his visit and views have been seen as controversial in Icelandic public discussion.
Sigurjón Þórðarson, a member of the People’s Party, expressed concern about the mosque’s handling of Usmani’s visit. He criticised Karim Askari, chairman of the Foundation of Muslims in Iceland, for failing to issue an unconditional condemnation of Usmani’s message after the appearance, telling DV, “This is a serious concern.”
Karim Askari told mbl.is that the Grand Mosque officials have nothing to hide and are ready to answer all questions about the incident. Askari made this statement in writing after phone contact attempts proved difficult, according to mbl.is.
Sources
- Mannlíf (first reported) in Icelandic
- Vísir in Icelandic
- DV in Icelandic
- mbl.is in Icelandic
Image: Alexey Komarov / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) · licence, original (resized) Illustrative image.
