Authorities should closely monitor Islamic organizations and mosques that receive donations, as this money often comes with requirements that can have far-reaching consequences for both Denmark and Europe. Yaqoub Ali, a lecturer and former Islamist, highlights the dangers of foreign funding and the alliances between Islamists and left-wing activists in Europe.
Ali recounts his experience with “Kaldet til islam” (Call to Islam), where a wealthy Saudi Arabian sheik offered to donate to a mosque on the condition that it be a church building converted into a mosque, aiming to “provoke” and take revenge on Denmark for the Muhammad cartoons. This illustrates how foreign sheiks often seek to exert influence over Danish mosques in exchange for financial support.
These agreements typically involve the sheiks donating money or raising funds for the mosque in their home countries, while the mosque provides them with opportunities to teach, hold seminars, and influence the mosque’s direction. This ensures that a strict and politically charged interpretation of Islam becomes the foundation of the mosque.
Ali points out that this practice is not unique to Denmark, but exists throughout Europe. He notes that Denmark’s small size and numerous mosques make the flow of money and foreign influence more effective.
Another concerning form of cooperation exists between Islamists and parts of the European left-wing activism. Ali cites an article revealing a Saudi Arabian prince’s $20 million donation to Georgetown University, emphasizing that such money always comes with conditions to promote and protect Islam.
Despite some countries’ official policies against Islamism and jihadism, some sheiks privately support Islamists worldwide. This financial support is a crucial factor in the strength and continued growth of Islamism in Europe.
Additionally, young people from these mosques are often sent to Muslim countries for training in Islamist ideologies. Ali mentions that several Syrian fighters from Aarhus had stays in Kuwait and Egypt as part of such agreements.
During the burqa ban debate in 2017-2018, Islamist women allied with left-wing activists to campaign against the ban. The activists were unaware that the women, organized under “Women in Dialogue,” also ran an Islamist women’s group called “Explore Islam,” led by an Islamist couple with ties to ISIS fighters.
These Islamist women strategically exploited the naivety of the activists, appearing in the media as innocent women fighting for their rights. They participated in demonstrations and national television programs, spreading their messages without raising suspicion.
Ali suggests that alliances between Islamists and other activist groups will likely strengthen, sharing a common goal and opponent. He acknowledges the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza but warns that it also acts as a catalyst for Islamist forces to spread their ideology under the guise of solidarity.