12 replies to this topic

[sundoes]

Salaam Aleikoum wa Rahmatoulahi wa Barakatahou


So, i am the first to start this topic :ohmy:

I am a sister from Belgium, well let's see, what can i say about Islam in Belgium:
First of all, it's getting diffucult for us to practise Islam in our country. I don't live in a great city like Brussel or Antwerp but in a little village, so it's worser. People don't know what Islam is, they only know Islam from media. So if they see a hijab, they are looking strange and afraid. In our village, about 27000 habitants,there are about 1600 muslims(800 morrocans-800 turcs).So there are 2 little masjied, for the morrocans and 1 for the turcs.

But in Brussel there is a great masjid hemdoulilah, the muslim population is also bigger. In Brussel and Antwerp, there are a lot of organisations who organise dars, conference, ....

I have noticed here in belgium that our youth is awakening, el hemdoulilah i see more hijaabs and more beards. More young people attend conferences... mashallah.

so, that's it for Belgium :wink:

Salaam Aleikoum wa Rahmatoulahi wa Barakatahou

[Asiya7]

Wa Alaykum salam,

People who live in a country populated with Muslims is good...that way people don't have prejudice views and cause fear like what is happening in belgium....i'm surprised that you're the only person from belgium on the forum...hmm.

Hope the muslims in your neighbourhood increase.

[desertdweller]

i know exactly what your saying when the Belgians just stare at you for looking 'different' so ridicoulous...! i used to live in a small village in Belgium..you could name every Muslim in that village are you in Flanders or Wallonie area?

[philz03]

Hi to you all,

Since this is my first writing on this forum, I would like to say something about myself briefly.

I'm a 25 year old Belgian, Christian, middleclass guy, who has an open mind to to other cultures and religions. I live in an multi cultural city, Antwerp.

I will try to share my experience I lived in Belgium regarding my contact with Islam. There are a lot of issues I don't understand, and want to learn about. I would also like you to give me advice on how to handle some situations. I always had great respect for people who think different. Unfortunatly some people proved me wrong.

As told in the previous post, there are two major group of moslims in Belgium, Turcs and maroccans. A great part of the maroccan youth is out of control, due to several reasons. Eighty precent of them have inferirior education (not due the system, because schools in Belgium are basicly free, so is University). So when they reach the age of adulthood, they get disappointed because they don't get proper jobs, have no money to buy all that fancy stuff, and so what happens? They get on the street, steeling, dealing drugs, jobless and unhappy. The last five years I was agressed 4 times. One time brutaly beaten for a few Euros. And the scary this is , it was always with that ethnic part of the poppulation. And still that youth is using Islam as a weapon. Lost ideals if you ask me.

On the other hand, turcs are very kind and generous people who practise their belief without causing trouble. Never had any problems with them.

One of my best friend a south African, is muslim. He 's a great guy who's respects other cultures and people. I really don't know what went wrong in Belgium and how it can be solved. And who is to be blaimed?

The only thing I can say is, that I always respected muslims in my country , but was severely punished for it. I'm not going to change the way, I view my muslim friends. But I would like to know from you how it's best to react in a situation of conflict.

[Deni]

Wa aleikum salam
I'm from Belgieum 2 i live in Limburg,Lummen my name is Deni i'm 13 years old

[desertdweller]

Hi philz03

And the scary this is , it was always with that ethnic part of the poppulation.

I can tell you that even Belgians (with parents from Belgium) did beat up one of my friends for a few euros. My friend is full blood European, so its not always an 'ethnic' thing, people get desperate.

On the other hand, turcs are very kind and generous people who practise their belief without causing trouble.

I've had the opposite experience, the Turks I met in Belgium were not that admirable in their practice of Islam.

I really don't know what went wrong in Belgium and how it can be solved. And who is to be blaimed?

I've often wondered myself that, and I've come to several reasons.
1. the Muslim youth in Belgium do not have proper role models
2. most are not as well off and can not receive proper education/social treatment
3. bad treatment from others often leads to resentment , although its not an excuse to react negatively

I really believe the youth in Belgium have great potential, they need to get motivated, and stay away from unIslamic social pressures (like going to clubs, bars, people who deal drugs and so on). Basically blame can be placed on society, and both sides (Muslim youth and non-Muslim youth ) are using stereotyping, racist mentalities and lack of understanding of each other. This is a huge social problem, I really hope this generation of young adults can change that.

The only thing I can say is, that I always respected muslims in my country , but was severely punished for it. I'm not going to change the way, I view my muslim friends.

Well that's good to hear that you'll keep an open mind.

[atha]

Assalam-u-alaikum

I need some information on Islam in Belgium. I would prefer to have the answers provided by a Belgian Muslimah sister but Belgian brothers may also offer feedback InshaAllah.

1-How strong is the muslim community in Belgium?
2-Do muslim women work in Belgium? If yes, what kind of jobs are available to them?
3-Do muslim women study in university in Belgium?
4-Are there any courses offered in Belgian universities in English?
5-What are the legalities of hijab ban and how does it effect a muslimah's daily lifestyle?

Thanks
take care
Assalam-u-alaikum

[Jawharah]

Topics Merged.

InshaAllah your questions will be answered.

[atha]

Assalam-u-Alaikum

Why haven't my questions being answered yet? If anyone knows how to answer them, kindly do.

Thanks
Take care
Assalam-u-Alaikum

[merem]

salaamoe'alaykoum

i'm also from belgium. i'm from antwerp....

[merem]

salaamoe'alaykoum

i'm also from belgium. i'm from antwerp.... The situation in belgium about hijaab is choking..... May Allaah help us. Wallaah it's so difficult for a muslim and in the first place for a muslima to live in Belgium and 2 practice her religion
wslm

[MeryemB]

Salaam aleykum,

Strange all Belgium people don't replay anymore.
This time know it's hard in Belgium for those going to school. They cann't wear there hijaab anymore. Imams from Belgium looking out know to start there own schools.

MeryemB

[Elif]

Assalamu Aleykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu

Well,i'm also from Belgium, and i am happy to see i am not allone here. I am from Beringen,sow if there is somebody close here,let my know insaAllah.