A high-ranking leader of a Muslim organization, Hafiz Muhammad Idrees, is among the 1,086 foreigners slated to become Danish citizens, sparking debate about the criteria for citizenship. His inclusion has ignited discussion about whether meeting the standard requirements, such as financial independence and Danish language proficiency, is sufficient or if adherence to “Danish values” and a “democratic mindset” should also be considered.

Mikkel Bjørn, chairman of the Parliament’s Citizenship Committee, is demanding that Idrees be summoned for an interview. Bjørn argues that leading an Islamic organization that promotes Islamic views is incompatible with Danish values. Several other parties support the proposal for an interview.

Idrees is the director of the Danish branch of Minhaj-ul-Quran, a Muslim organization with mosques in Denmark and close ties to Pakistan. The organization’s stated aim is to spread and strengthen the Muslim community worldwide, and its political wing in Pakistan advocates for an Islamic state. Critics have highlighted books promoted by Idrees that contain interpretations of the Koran advocating for strict Sharia law, including punishments like whipping and stoning for adultery.

Lene Kühle, a professor at Aarhus University, describes Minhaj-ul-Quran as a fairly conservative organization based on an Islamic worldview, but not necessarily Islamist. While the organization is not particularly politically active in Denmark, it focuses on social activities like charity and Islamic education. The organization is also known for its well-developed women’s section, and its founder issued a fatwa in 2011 distancing himself from terrorism and suicide attacks.

The Social Democrats have declined to comment on the inclusion of Idrees on the citizenship list, calling it an internal process. The Parliament will ultimately vote on whether to pass the law granting citizenship to those who meet the requirements.