Justin Trudeau has just appointed an Islamophobia consultant, Amira Elghawaby. It is unclear what the term Islamophobia means, except that in some people’s eyes any criticism of Islam is undesirable.
However, there are many versions of Islam and, unfortunately, its two most popular versions are carried by dirty dictatorships: Saudi Arabia and Iran. It’s a disaster for Muslims, whose Islam, instead of living in harmony with the modern world, resorts to a totalitarian version of their religion. Worse, the person Trudeau appointed is close to fundamentalist circles. What an insult to moderate Muslims in Canada! What an insult to Quebecers, whose modernity is built on the rejection of religious fundamentalism! What a lack of understanding for the danger posed by fundamentalist Islam!
1) What is the relationship between Amira Elghawaby and religious fundamentalists?
Ms. Elghawaby was very active on the National Council of Canadian Muslims between 2012 and 2017. As Frédéric Bastien explains remarkably well in the Journal’s columns, this group, presenting itself under moderate cloaks, actually espouses a fundamentalist Islam that prohibits the use of Sharia in Canada and sexual segregation in various daily activities. Unlike the majority of Muslim women in Canada, Ms. Elghawaby wears the veil, a clear symbol of religious oppression.
2) How is Elghawaby’s nomination disastrous for Muslims in Canada?
Most Muslims in Canada are moderate, who do not seek gender segregation or the application of Sharia in the country. On the contrary, many Muslims came to Canada fleeing religious persecution based on the ideas advocated by Elghawaby. Unfortunately, many Muslims are afraid to denounce religious fundamentalists. Many find it difficult to understand that religious beliefs should be treated with caution. Trudeau’s new appointment won’t help them break free.
3) Why is Elghawaby’s appointment an insult to Quebecers?
The appointment of people to the Trudeau government whose main characteristic is being religious is an insult not only to Quebecers but also to democracy. Until the 1950s, members of the clergy exercised significant and damaging influence over Quebec government decisions. Quebecers eliminated this influence of unelected people. And now the Trudeau administration is bringing religious influence back to the heart of their government. Justin Trudeau is definitely 60 years too late.
4) Why is the Islam of Saudi Arabia and Iran totalitarian?
Despite the differences between Sunnism and Shiism, both versions of Islam practiced in these countries are totalitarian. First, because both claim to manage every aspect of each individual’s day-to-day life. Second, because they prevent people from governing themselves through elected officials. The laws are embedded in religious texts and these texts can ultimately only be changed or interpreted by religious people.
5) Is a moderate Islam possible?
A moderate Islam is just as possible as for any other religion. However, countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia invest billions of dollars each year around the world to promote their fundamentalist Islam. These countries find a valuable ally in Justin Trudeau. He comes across as a “useful idiot”.
