Controversy is brewing as the Ramadan Expo 2025 draws thousands to Utrecht, featuring speakers whose past remarks have raised significant alarm among political leaders and the public alike.
The event, organized by the Dawah Group, sees notable figures such as British speaker Mohammed Hijab, who recently celebrated overturning his entry ban to the Netherlands. Following his appearance on Saturday night, he expressed his thoughts with fervent declarations from the crowd: "Allahu Akbar,” translating to “God is the greatest.” Hijab has made headlines for controversial statements, including calling pedophilia a relative concept.
Despite these concerns, the Jaarbeurs venue, which hosts the event, assures the public there are no perceived safety risks. According to the Jaarbeurs, warned of potential threats before events, they assess security with local police and the Utrecht municipality to mitigate risks for participants and visitors alike. "We do not express opinions on political or religious viewpoints," they stated.
Political figures have not minced words on the event's significance. Dutch minister Eric Faber condemned the presence of what his government considers dangerous individuals, labeling the day Hijab addressed the crowds as "a dark day for the Netherlands". Yet, Hijab shrugged off such denunciations and framed the ruling court's decision as vindication against what he called Europe's "most anti-Muslim government."
The expo encompasses various activities, from shopping and dining to debates and prayers. Vendors hawked everything from halal food to Islamic burial services, with families mingling amid activities like bouncy castles for the kids. It presented not just a marketplace, but also gathering space for Muslims. Yet security concerns seeped through as footage depicted confrontations between journalists from outlets like PowNed and attendees hostile toward media presence.
Many questions are raised surrounding the legitimacy of inviting speakers like Hijab. The Dawah Group has been closely monitored since its previous event when they aimed to feature Mohamed Hoblos, labeled undesirable by the court. Wildeman, speaking on behalf of the Dawah Group, asserted, "These are just three good and interesting speakers. Even the police saw no problem." He expressed disappointment over public sentiment swaying against the speakers post-controversial reports surfaced.
The courtroom has also echoed these sentiments, where once-revoked bans for individuals like Hijab were contested. The judges ruled insufficient justification for claims those speakers posed public order threats, rendering them unjustly ostracized. Wildeman saw the court's decision as beneficial yet lamented the media storm surrounding the expo, stating, "This story has only losers." He defended one speaker, Abr Bakur Zoud, against accusations of extremism for comments deemed improper, arguing free speech nuances.
“What we are seeing is right-wing populism taking root, targeting the sanctity of Islam,” lamented Mohamed Akkouh from the Muslim Youth Almere. He noted the trend of political figures jostling to outdo each other based on hardline rhetoric against Islam. It highlights contradictions in Dutch claims to uphold universal values and free speech, he argues.
At the expo, diverse perspectives surfaced. Attendees like Kübra Çelik found solace as she sought to recharge spiritually, stating, "This event replenishes my spirit. I can’t engage with my faith daily due to my job." Her reflections capture the essence of the gathering—for many, it serves as both sanctuary and source of community.
Hijab’s tirade on Dutch legislation surrounding abortion and prostitution ignited applause amid young attendees. Notably, he framed such debates as selective censorship aimed solely at conservative voices. “They wouldn’t dream of imposing these barriers on Jewish discourse,” he quipped, alluding to perceived anti-Islam sentiment.
Despite potential backlash, the gathering aimed to uplift attendees, engage minds, and enrich faith. Ali Hammuda emphasized altruism through practical lessons for children. Hammuda stressed communal values, underscoring how charity often brings more joy than material wealth—a sentiment echoed among attendees who derived hope and connection from the expo.
Fractured opinions surrounding the Ramadan Expo speak volumes to deep-seated cultural and political fissures present within Dutch society, capturing the dynamics as the country grapples with identity, belief, and the ever-turning wheel of public discourse.
The flourishing of idea exchange at the expo proposes both opportunities for engagement and challenges from those fearing extremism. The reception of these controversial speakers reflects the broader societal dialogue of identity and tolerance, fueling debates about the nature of inclusivity, public safety, and the essence of what it means to reside within diverse communities.