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You are here: Home Life in News Focus Dutch Imams promoting 'shared' values

28/05/2008Dutch Imams promoting 'shared' values

Imams in Dutch mosques usually preach the same virtues commonly accepted by other Dutch people. As a result of the polarisation of opinions about Islam, Muslims are now often regarded as 'strange and different', with emphasis being placed on the differences. However, a recent study shows that imams often use their sermons to propagate issues and values, which the rest of the Dutch population also thinks, are important. By Michel Hoebink*

 Fred Leemhuis, professor of Arabic at Groningen University points out: 

"The image of Dutch imams is based on comments by two or three radical salafi [fundamentalist] Imams, who continually turn up in the media. We wanted to find out what Dutch mainstream imams are really preaching. And, in particular, which virtues they're commending to their congregations." 
 
Sermons analysed
Together with Anand Blank, who is using the research for his PhD dissertation, Mr Leemhuis analysed the sermons of six randomly chosen Dutch Imams from different ethnic backgrounds. The imams were also extensively interviewed. 
 
In a parallel study, social psychologist Pieter van Oudenhoven looked at which virtues Catholics, Protestants, and non-religious Dutch people hold high. The study shows that the opinions of the imams are very moderate and hardly differ from those of other Dutch people. 
 
Two Dutch Imams
The image of the provocative salafi imam does not match reality at all, says Mr Leemhuis:  
"What is noticeable about the sermons of the imams is that a large majority represent a kind of moderate middle-of-the-road orthodoxy.  Not extreme either one way or the other." (Photo right: Two Dutch Imams) 
 
 
Same virtues
According to Mr Leemhuis the virtues that the Imams present to their audiences are the same as the ones that score high among other groups of Dutch people: respect, consideration, reliability and openness. Two virtues stand out in their sermons: the necessity of good neighbourliness and showing respect towards others. 

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