The Grand Mosque of Paris is marking its 100th anniversary this year, commemorating a century since its inauguration. This significant milestone notes a complex history, intertwined with both religious purpose and political undertones. Qaddour Ibn Ghabrit, who was referred to as 'Secret Advisor to the French Republic', was appointed as the mosque's head at the time of its establishment. From its inception, the institution has played a significant role for the Muslim community in Paris, though its path has been marked by periods of considerable debate and criticism. The centenary offers an opportunity to reflect on its journey and the various figures who have shaped its trajectory.
Founding and Early Leadership
The establishment of the Paris Mosque was rooted in circumstances that have been described as other than purely pious, leading to its initial designation by some as 'The Islamic Church'. The idea for its founding was notably proposed by Marshal Lyautey, a prominent figure whom some observers of the time referred to as 'Marshal of Islam'. His involvement showed the geopolitical context surrounding the mosque's creation. Following this proposal, Sultan Yusuf of Marrakesh played a role in its early history, notably bestowing the name 'Joseph' upon its founder. These early associations and the specific terminology used to describe its origins point to a foundational period that was viewed through a lens of both religious and political significance, immediately setting a precedent for future discussions regarding its purpose and independence.
Periods of Controversy
The Grand Mosque of Paris faced early opposition from some Muslim figures, who questioned its legitimacy and alignment with core Islamic values. The Indian Islamic thinker Muhammad Iqbal notably boycotted the mosque, criticizing its establishment due with a profound sense of disillusionment regarding its perceived purpose and its perceived subservience to European influence. Iqbal's strong condemnation was encapsulated in his poignant verse: "يا ناظري لا يخدعنّك فنُّه لزور هذا الحرمُ المغرَّب وليس هذا حرما ولكنّه عند الفرنج للغرام ملعب قد أخفت الفرنجُ روح موثن في صورة من حرم يكذب إنّ الذي شيّد هذا موثنا دمشق من عدوانه تخرّب." This translates to a powerful critique of the mosque's perceived artistic deception, suggesting it was not a true sanctuary but rather a playground for European desires, a false shrine masking a spirit of idolatry, and a construction whose very existence brought ruin to places like Damascus. Such sentiments indicate that the mosque was boycotted by what were described as 'sincere believers and righteous Muslims'.
Further controversy surrounded Qaddour Ibn Ghabrit, the mosque's head from its founding. He was accused by some of being an adversary to the North African Star Party and representatives of the Algerian Muslim Scholars Association. These accusations suggest early political and ideological divisions surrounding the mosque's leadership and its role within the broader Muslim community, particularly in relation to North African independence movements. Additionally, some individuals have accused Ibn Ghabrit of involvement in the killing of poet Moubarek Djellouah, marking a particularly grave allegation against the mosque's founding leader and casting a long shadow over his tenure. The era of Ibn Ghabrit, spanning from the mosque's founding in 1922 until his death in 1954, is considered by some to be its worst period, characterized by these significant controversies and political entanglements.
Supervisors and Shifting Fortunes
The Grand Mosque of Paris has seen a succession of leaders navigate its complex role. Since its establishment, seven individuals have supervised the mosque: Qaddour Ibn Ghabrit, Ahmed Ibn Ghabrit, Hamza Boubekeur, Sheikh El Abbas Ben El Hussein, Tijani Haddam, Djelil Boubekeur, and the current dean Shams Eddine Hafiz. Following Ibn Ghabrit's controversial era, the tenure of Hamza Boubekeur also faced significant criticism. This period is considered by some to be the second worst in the mosque's history, with accusations that he plotted to separate the Sahara. In contrast to these challenging periods, the era of Sheikh El Abbas Ben El Hussein is described by some as a time of prosperity for the mosque, during which it became a "qibla" for European Muslims, suggesting a period of renewed spiritual focus and community engagement. This alternating pattern of leadership, marked by both severe criticism and periods of flourishing, shows the dynamic and often contentious history of the Grand Mosque of Paris as it commemorates its first century.