The International Health and Social Group (IHSG) is arranging an evening at the Central Jammat-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat mosque in Oslo on Sep. 24th. The theme of the evening is alcohol policy in an inclusive perspective.
"In Norwegian culture is almost provocative not to drink alcohol. Norway is a multicultural society. Are all groups really included? Muslims make up a large part of the population in Norway, but how does society enable social inclusion?"
"What's so provocative about our drinking?"
"It's provocative that people aren't part of the group. When somebody sits there and is completely sober and all others are drinking, there's pressure to drink. 'Are you afraid of your parents? Are you a coward who doesn't dare try it?' are typical questions," says Fahim Naeem of IHSG to iOslo.no.
Muslims are not allowed to partake of alcohol in any way, and most Norwegian are aware of this, he thinks.
"In the invitation to this evening Norwegian alcohol habits are portrayed as an obstacle for the integration of Muslims. What do you mean by that?"
"For Muslim youth it's a restriction. We see that it can be hard for them, as most Muslims don't drink. but if moderate amounts are drunk around them, it's good. The problem is that many become a little insistent and the Muslim youth will feel a little uneasy," he says.
It's not a state secret that many Muslims drink alcohol on par with other Norwegians. Naeem recognizes that, but says it's completely forbidden.
"They get problems at home, if they're discovered."
"But can't it be part of integration that Muslims go out to town to dance and enjoy themselves - also with a couple of beers?"
"No, I don't think so."
"Integration takes place also during leisure time, in the city, out on the town and in cafes. How can people solve this problem?
"Muslims want to have alcohol free days in discos. There should be some days when people can go to restaurants and discos where there's a total ban on alcohol," says Naeem.
Hege Storhaug of Human Rights Service rejects such a proposal. "
"All the time they have special rules, and we reject special requirements. We get a split up society and Islam get more place in the public sphere. people force religious opinions on others. In the most extreme consequence it leads to the Islamization of society," says Storhaug to iOslo.no.
"All the time it's Muslims who come with special requirements. We never hear a peep from Catholics, Jews, Hindus etc."
"Can it be a type of integration that Muslim youth actually go out to town and drink a couple of beer?"
"Yes, I actually think that's very alright. Naturally. I think it is nice if they are involved in sports, in different organizations and that they are a normal part of society. I am against ghettoizing of society," she says.
Storhaug applauds the proposal for Muslims to go to discos, bars and restaurants with their leaders' blessings.
"Yes, if they will have alcohol-free discos, then the question is: does that mean that Muslim girls will get to go out and dance and meet people," she asks.
Source: Nettavisen (Norwegian)
See also: Norway: Muslim russ
"In Norwegian culture is almost provocative not to drink alcohol. Norway is a multicultural society. Are all groups really included? Muslims make up a large part of the population in Norway, but how does society enable social inclusion?"
"What's so provocative about our drinking?"
"It's provocative that people aren't part of the group. When somebody sits there and is completely sober and all others are drinking, there's pressure to drink. 'Are you afraid of your parents? Are you a coward who doesn't dare try it?' are typical questions," says Fahim Naeem of IHSG to iOslo.no.
Muslims are not allowed to partake of alcohol in any way, and most Norwegian are aware of this, he thinks.
"In the invitation to this evening Norwegian alcohol habits are portrayed as an obstacle for the integration of Muslims. What do you mean by that?"
"For Muslim youth it's a restriction. We see that it can be hard for them, as most Muslims don't drink. but if moderate amounts are drunk around them, it's good. The problem is that many become a little insistent and the Muslim youth will feel a little uneasy," he says.
It's not a state secret that many Muslims drink alcohol on par with other Norwegians. Naeem recognizes that, but says it's completely forbidden.
"They get problems at home, if they're discovered."
"But can't it be part of integration that Muslims go out to town to dance and enjoy themselves - also with a couple of beers?"
"No, I don't think so."
"Integration takes place also during leisure time, in the city, out on the town and in cafes. How can people solve this problem?
"Muslims want to have alcohol free days in discos. There should be some days when people can go to restaurants and discos where there's a total ban on alcohol," says Naeem.
Hege Storhaug of Human Rights Service rejects such a proposal. "
"All the time they have special rules, and we reject special requirements. We get a split up society and Islam get more place in the public sphere. people force religious opinions on others. In the most extreme consequence it leads to the Islamization of society," says Storhaug to iOslo.no.
"All the time it's Muslims who come with special requirements. We never hear a peep from Catholics, Jews, Hindus etc."
"Can it be a type of integration that Muslim youth actually go out to town and drink a couple of beer?"
"Yes, I actually think that's very alright. Naturally. I think it is nice if they are involved in sports, in different organizations and that they are a normal part of society. I am against ghettoizing of society," she says.
Storhaug applauds the proposal for Muslims to go to discos, bars and restaurants with their leaders' blessings.
"Yes, if they will have alcohol-free discos, then the question is: does that mean that Muslim girls will get to go out and dance and meet people," she asks.
Source: Nettavisen (Norwegian)
See also: Norway: Muslim russ