Ahmed Yasin, a prominent speaker at the Islamic Community (Det Islamiske Trossamfund), has recently sparked controversy with his remarks regarding Muslim students’ participation in Friday prayers. During a speech, he encouraged students to excuse themselves from classes on Fridays in order to attend prayers at the mosque. Yasin emphasized the importance of this practice for maintaining motivation and a spiritual connection, even if it meant missing educational sessions.

Yasin also addressed Denmark’s Minister of Education, Mattias Tesfaye, requesting understanding that absences would be for a good cause and not due to laziness. However, the Islamic Community quickly responded to Yasin’s comments, issuing a public clarification. The organization stressed that it does not condone skipping classes and encourages students to prioritize their education.

Bilal Assaad, a spokesperson from the Islamic Community, noted that Yasin’s views do not reflect the official stance of the organization and emphasized that students should attend all their classes and engage socially with their peers, regardless of background.

Yasin’s speech, which ignited this debate, was available on the Islamic Community’s website until recently, but a request has now been made to remove it to prevent further misunderstandings.

As of now, Mattias Tesfaye has not commented on the situation, but the Minister for Integration, Kaare Dybvad, has been interviewed by Astrid Johanne Høg to discuss the concerns surrounding mosques potentially undermining societal norms and values.

The Islamic Community, a voluntary association aimed at establishing a Muslim community and promoting Islamic values, is now seeking to address the situation and focus on positive contributions to Danish society.