Kahina Bahloul, a 39-year-old Algerian-French Islamologist, has sparked controversy with her project for an inclusive mosque. Born to a Kabyle father and French mother, Bahloul grew up in Algeria and later studied law in Béjaïa and Paris. After working in insurance for 12 years, she pursued studies in Islamic theology at the École pratique des hautes études. Her project aims to create a mosque where men and women pray together in the same room, separated only by a symbolic distinction.
The proposed mosque, dubbed "La mosquée inclusive," would have two imams, one male and one female, who would alternate delivering sermons each week. The mosque's theological approach would draw on the Mutazilite school, which emphasizes reason and justice, and the Sufi tradition of Ibn Arabî. Bahloul's own family background is rooted in the "Imravdhen" tradition, a mystical movement that emerged in Kabylie. This heritage has influenced her spiritual perspective and informed her vision for an inclusive mosque.
Bahloul's motivation for creating the mosque is to reclaim Islam from extremist ideologies that have dominated the narrative in recent decades. She wants to demonstrate that alternative interpretations of Islam exist and have always existed, emphasizing reason, wisdom, and compatibility with modernity. By creating a mosque that welcomes both Muslims and non-Muslims, Bahloul aims to promote interfaith understanding and community cohesion.
The Islamologist's project has sparked debate, with some questioning her approach. However, Bahloul remains undeterred, citing her freedom to think and practice her faith as she sees fit. She believes it is essential to challenge dominant narratives and offer alternative perspectives on Islam. Her initiative has garnered support from some quarters, with many seeing it as a positive step towards promoting a more inclusive and tolerant understanding of Islam.
In January 2015, Bahloul co-founded the website "Parle-moi d'islam" (Tell Me About Islam) with friends, aiming to promote alternative interpretations of the Quran and counter extremist narratives. The site seeks to highlight the values of peace and tolerance inherent in Islam, demonstrating that the faith is adaptable to different contexts and epochs.
Bahloul's vision for an inclusive mosque has resonated with some young Muslims who are seeking a more nuanced understanding of their faith. Her message emphasizes the importance of knowledge, philosophy, and history in understanding one's heritage and spiritual identity. By engaging with her Kabyle roots and Islamic heritage, Bahloul hopes to inspire a new generation of Muslims to think critically about their faith and its place in the modern world.
As Bahloul concludes, she expresses gratitude to Algeria, where she grew up and developed her values. Her project for an inclusive mosque represents a bold experiment in reimagining Islamic practice and community. While it may face challenges and criticisms, Bahloul's initiative has already sparked a vital conversation about the future of Islam in modern society.
Key points
- - The proposed mosque would have men and women pray together in the same room. - The mosque's approach would draw on the Mutazilite school and Sufi tradition. - Bahloul's project aims to promote interfaith understanding and community cohesion.
