Exclusive: Imam Abderrahman Ghoul to Echorouk: “Marseille Mosque aims to unite Muslims from all around the world”

Imam Abderrahman Ghoul accepted to answer our questions about the project of Marseille Mosque. In an interview with Echorouk, he said works will begin after Ramadan and the construction time is 18 months with hope that it would be fully prepared to receive a large number of Muslims in 2013, when Marseille will be titled “European Capital of Culture”, a symbol for Muslims to be part of this large event. He asserted that prayer for this year’s Eid (Muslims’ religious feast) will take place in the premises of the mosque, another way to make the project more visible.

• Why is this project so important to you?
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• We already know what such a project can add religiously and culturally to the Muslim community. I think it is important to remember that this mosque will be a common home for all Muslims. It will gather human beings from various nationalities; Senegalese, Algerians, Moroccans, Comoros and others. We are all Muslims and our role is to practice Islam throughout respecting everything, especially duties for the hosting country and Marseille in particular. Since 1996, we have made a struggle in order to establish this mosque, which is a point of honour because our ancestors have fought since 1937 and sacrificed their time to realize this project. And it is our duty to continue the work they started. We also should protect it and preserve it for the future generations. That is why the future mosque is our responsibility where transparency and rigor are the only watchwords. Like in many French cities, we have with this project, to be realized soon, a great privilege to give us rights, but also a lot of duties.
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• Since your appointment as head of the association, your aim was to unite all Muslims. What could you say about this?
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• I just wanted to say that this project belongs to everyone, we will better work united in order to realize it as soon as possible. Rome was not built in one day…because, you know, since the existence of our association (four years) we have suffered from poor communication, due to the lack of openness to others, we were at the limit of a closed circle. However, an association of law type 1901 must comply with regulations, statutes and any event to ensure a visible and open associative activity. We received the harshest criticism from outside trying to destabilize us rather than help us. Today I can tell you that we do not care out all this, what is mostly important to us is that this place will notice the union of our religion; Islam, religion of peace, tolerance, solidarity and above all, education for new generations. Therefore, we continue work with the same persons at the administration council and office in our association using full transparency. We will launch membership for all good will and therefore I call all those who want to join us to think together about the future of the mosque, its management, they are welcome.
• What is the real funding of this project?
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• The project is estimated to 22 million Euros. The land is 9000 m2 and the mosque will occupy 5800 m2 with a layout to include an amphitheatre, a library, conference room, a Koranic school. We also wish a space for non-practitioners with free access to place.
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• Tell us about funds from Muslim donor countries and what is Algeria’s contribution?
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• we called for donations from Arab countries like Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Comoros, Libya and Algeria. When I met with President Abdelaziz Bouteflika recently in Algiers, he reassured me and we spoke about Algeria’s financial contribution. I can not give the exact amount, because the decision is in the hands of officials and this can not be far, even though it was mentioned here and there with some reservation. I also assert that Senegalese President has personally donated 5000 Euros, as well as donation by the Jewish Consistory of Marseille with 3000 Euros and another check by a Christian donor. A national subscription is raised publicly and we expect good results. I would add that there is also possibility of an agreement with private and individual donors.

• What is your relationship with Jean Claude Gaudin, senator and mayor?
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•   You give me the opportunity to give him a special tribute for bringing this project in spite of all difficulties. We can never thank him enough for having voted unanimously for this project at the Municipal Council. We give him our entire gratitude.
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• And with Jean Noel Guerini, head of the General Council and Michel Vauzelle, head of the Regional Council?
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• Muslims of Marseille respect others everywhere. Jean Noel Guerini has always been present in the most important moments when we needed him. He remains our major partner. As for Michel Vauzelle, our relations have always been good; he is the friend of Algerians and Muslims.
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• What can you say to your critics who pose the problem of Fatima Orsatelli, since you are elected regional PS within the association?
• It should be remembered that Fatima Orsatelli has a long history as a militant leftist. She is responsible for the Legal Committee at the Regional Council of Muslims (CRCM) PACA and member of the association before her election at the Regional Council on Mars 2010. She is also a French citizen of Moroccan origin who served as treasurer in our association, and a woman like other women in the association with duties. The bad criticism has wronged her naturally because her existence is more than visible. She is a militant on all fronts against poverty and for secularism. Obviously, she will continue exercising all her activities with us in the office until next term.
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• Finaly, what could you say?
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• After this period of transition. It is mainly the result of an immense work which started in 1996 by all members of the association which must continue achieving an amazing universal value to be launched in 2013. The coming Administrative Council, which is the first for me, scheduled for October will have to clarify a lot of outstanding issues in continuity.

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