To read from the start click here.
Like so many things in life, religion, as with all tools and techniques created by humankind to make sense of life, is in itself harmless and full of potential. It is only within the active deeds of its adherents that we see its value and experience it as either helpful or harmful. This is where we find ourselves and why I think it worthy of discussion, a polarising issue, one of many, it seems, pulling our fast-changing society beyond its hitherto, known and reasonably comfortable limits.
The conversation continues today (originally a Portugal Club ‘Beyond The Algorithm’ interview) with a particular focus on South Asia, where my guest was born a Muslim, describing it as a “very difficult journey”, adding: “The South Asian strain of Islam is very different from what you find in Turkey, the Arab world, or Southeast Asia. Islam is not a monolith, it’s quite adept at cultural adaptations in different places. We have a peculiar brand of Islam in South Asia.”
Furthermore, he elaborated: “There are certain fundamental aspects of it that make life for South Asian Muslims living abroad, in most of the world, a bit of a challenge for integration. I wanted to highlight those areas because, in many senses, North Africans, Arabs, and especially Turks, because of the long Ottoman interaction with Europe, have less of a hard time compared to South Asians, who were shaped by Central Asian invasions, and 200 years of British rule.”
It was at this point I guffawed nervously as Alim spoke of “a healthy dose of colonialism”, which, for me, underlies and underlines the awkwardness of this whole conversation, which must be faced but is clearly full of painful nuance and shadowy, traumatic triggers for all concerned, including the Portuguese.
Knowing this and doing his best to exercise sensitivity whilst admirably defending his faith, Alim added: “We must differentiate Islam from Muslims. Newer converts to a religion tend to be more dogmatic, while Arabs have relaxed because it originated with them,” which immediately broadened my understanding. It also explains the ‘heat’ associated with much Muslim characterisation that comes with political dimensions and cultural values that, upon examination, have nothing to do with original principles.
This brings us, of course, straight to the current controversy in Portugal, where the media focuses on worst-case breakdowns, fanning nationalist flames and movements, with no appreciation of Islamic scripture or the nuance our conversation allowed.
But overbearing controversy is where we’re at right now and the question remains: what can we do about it?
“I’ve been talking with Portuguese friends about starting genuine dialogue in safe spaces between indigenous Portuguese and immigrant communities,” Alim told me. “Unless we create those spaces, the problem won’t go away.”
And he’s serious. He’s happy to ‘go there’, and on any aspect of ‘the problem’. Take, for example, the disruptive and often highlighted issue of Muslims praying on public roads, blocking traffic and upsetting locals. Alim has no problem addressing this, saying: “The Prophet himself became very displeased when people did that in his lifetime because it disturbs civil peace.
“Civil law is superior to religious law in the public sphere. Religious law governs the personal relationship with God, and God can forgive. Breaking civil law creates disorder harmful to society. Conduct that disturbs civil peace in the name of Islam is the biggest blasphemy against Islam itself, because Islam means peace.”
I wasn’t expecting that, quite honestly, but such is the integrity and courage of this man, who it occurs to me has two ‘jobs’; the first to explain Islam to non-Muslims, and secondly to tell his Muslim brothers that “this isn’t cricket”, to use a phrase I am sure is relatable across South Asia!
“Absolutely,” he responded, “though it’s a struggle. Within broader Muslim circles, my community is often declared non-Muslim, so credible voices get cancelled instantly. I’ve had better success on neutral ground. In the Philippines, working with the UN, for example.”
Clearly then, as ever, dialogue is the way forward, preferably over food, which occurs to me as the best access to Portuguese hearts and minds. I confessed to Alim that my first and only visit to a mosque concluded with an unforgettable spread, which is how I remember the best Portuguese gatherings I’ve been to, too.
So, we may well be onto something here, where Portuguese and Muslims break bread as a first move towards living in peace, with the bonus of an incapacitating, full belly.
Beyond buffet-based diplomacy, Alim also advises an orientation away from identity-based and insecure ‘ghettos’. “We’re already here and can live freely,” he reminded me. “We’d be better off, mentally and practically, putting energy into positive contribution rather than worry.” And I am with him on that.
“There’s also little guidance for newcomers on Portuguese cultural expectations until they break the law,” I added, suggesting that “expat communities should police basic decency themselves, it’s just human etiquette.”
“Exactly. Basic decency isn’t complicated. But resentment in local populations often springs from governments failing their own citizens,” he wisely added, reminding me of the “real source of radical anti-immigrant movements across Europe” spawned by “economic deterioration, democratic deficit, and lobby capture”.
“Immigrants become the scapegoat for internal frustration. That’s the perfect storm for fascism: start with the most vulnerable, then move to the next group,” he said.
As I was forced to bring another fascinating and enlightening encounter to a rapid close, imagining an inevitable ‘part three’ on the value of religion more generally in an increasingly secular world, something occurred to me. The Portuguese, and the various nationalities and cultures that are blessed to be here, are already ‘married’, or at least living together, and it’s a bit late to be focusing on incompatibility.
“Precisely,” Alim retorted. “There’s dire need for a common-ground discourse that the Portuguese feel is truly open and safe for challenge and reconciliation. Without that, the only voices heard will be the most confrontational ones.”
“Let’s keep talking, and maybe over bacalhau next time,” I suggested.
“Deal!” he replied.
Who’s joining us and how big a table should we reserve?
See the whole interview here – https://www.youtube.com/live/qMPtOOY4nmg
Need help in Portugal? Contact Carl by phone/WhatsApp on (00 351) 913 590 303, email carl@carlmunson.com or join the Portugal Club community here – www.theportugalclub.com
