Preachers in a cocoon
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Strengths, weaknesses
The flamboyant preacher Tariq Ramadan, grandson of Hassan Al-Banna, founder of the Muslim Brotherhood is one of the brightest preachers in Europe, not only for mastering English and French, but also for his eloquence in debating his opponents.
Born in Switzerland Tariq is professor of contemporary Islamic studies at the Oxford University. He was appointed consultant in more than one distinguished institution in Europe and Asia. He is also a member of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, headed by Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, (of course).
Tariq owns a number of serious works, and enjoys or used to enjoy the respect of several cultural circles in Europe and Britain. He has interests in spiritual and theological studies, both politically and philosophically especially with regard to Islam, spiritual values and different philosophies. He was considered one of the Islamic leaders in Europe, and one of the most influential personalities in the world.
In January, Tariq was remanded to police custody in France on rape charges dating back to 2009 and 2012, and was then placed under pre-trial detention. His supporters defended him and said his arrest was part of a campaign against Muslim intellectuals. Tariq also denied all accusations against him.
But a second bombshell was dropped by Henda Ayari in 2017 when she filed a case against Tariq and accused him of raping her. She detailed the crime in her book, but Tariq again denied the accusation.
Later a French woman of Arab origin (identified only as M.R.) accused Tariq of raping her several times, and in order to avoid the consequences of the charge, Tariq, admitted to having sexual relationship with her and provided all evidences to support that illegal sexual relationship.
Tariq — despite the great harm done to his reputation as a recognized prominent Islamic personality — admitted to the sexual relationship because the European laws, unlike those of our great countries, are lenient in cases of adultery but they never tolerate rape.
MR was a former friend of former IMF director Dominique Strauss-Kahn and was one of the young women who attended concerts at the Carlton Hotel with the participation of Strauss-Kahn.
The question now is: How did Tariq Ramadan’s father, the simple employee, chose Switzerland and got its nationality which was subsequently granted to his family after him while it is the most difficult country in the world in matters of residency and citizenship? Has Brotherhood’s money played a role? I have no doubt in that.
If this is the potential and capabilities of Al-Banna’s secretary more than half a century ago, what are the powers of those who manage the Brotherhood’s funds, locally and internationally?
The other question is: Why do most preachers prefer to create a halo of piety and straightforwardness about themselves and direct various accusations of immorality, debauchery and degeneration against their opponents in society, while they, as proved in the case of Tariq, and the cases of former and current MPs, are obsessed with sex than others, but they do not want to admit that they are human beings like others and have their strengths and weaknesses?
Is not it time for those who claim piety to reveal the truth that they are only traders in religion, and nothing else?
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By Ahmad Al-Sarraf
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