France’s imams urged to include prayers for nation amid rising security concerns
French police officers stand guard outside Paris' Grand Mosque on Friday as a hostage-taking crisis unfolded at a kosher supermarket. (AFP Photo)
In an unprecedented move aimed at fostering societal harmony and security, the Grand Mosque of Paris Director Chems-Eddine Hafiz sent a message to 150 mosque imams across France. Known for his close ties to French President Emmanuel Macron, Hafiz urged the imams to end Friday sermons with prayers for France.
Call to imams: ‘May Allah protect France’
Hafiz’s request included a specific invocation: “May Allah protect France.” The statement is seen as an effort to bridge divides and emphasize unity within the country.
Hafiz, often regarded as Macron’s voice within religious communities, encouraged imams to recite the prayer in both Arabic and French.
Multilingual sermons to reach broader audiences
Hafiz stressed the importance of delivering sermons in Arabic and French, ensuring the message resonates with both native and non-native speakers.
His letter also noted that some mosques had already been praying for France since the 2020 killing of French teacher Samuel Paty by an Islamist extremist.
Hafiz pointed out that synagogues in France regularly pray for the republic during Saturday services, suggesting that mosques should adopt a similar practice to demonstrate solidarity.
Tighter controls on religious institutions
This initiative comes as the French government tightens oversight of mosques, citing concerns over potential extremist threats. Officials aim to enhance societal cohesion while addressing rising security challenges.
