New Muslim Association to Fund Imam Training in France

This initiative stems from the union between the French Council of the Muslim Faith, the privileged interlocutor of the State on the Muslim faith, and the Muslim Association for Islam in France, two associations that were in competition a few months ago on issues related to the economic sectors of pilgrimage and halal.

"Transparent and professional," this new association will allow the training of French imams in France. According to a free tribune published by Le Monde, these two bodies are responding to Emmanuel Macron’s speech in Mulhouse on February 18. In his speech, the French head of state had wished for the end of "foreign influences" on Islam in France and the preparation of an action plan.

According to Hakim El Karoui, president of the CFCM, these two associations intend to "regulate and offer better organization of the various economic markets" related to Islam. "We start with the pilgrimage to Mecca. Halal will come in a second step," says Hakim El Karoui.

This association, once set up, will be managed by "conflict-free" actors, promises the president Hakim El Karoui. As for the money raised, he argues that it will be used for the benefit of the community, at the national level.

The promoters of this new association are counting on French donations and bequests to avoid foreign interference. "If there is no French funding, then we will have foreign interference," he warns, arguing that these funds will also be used for the training of imams.