Beyond the Walls: Islam and Civil Society

Last Friday, the Mezquita Foundation of Seville had the honour of receiving Dr. Ziad Alahmad, a leading postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Arab and Islamic Studies and Oriental Studies of the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM). His visit constitutes a fundamental part of his academic research on the role of mosques in Spanish society, focusing specifically on how they operate beyond their walls to integrate and relate to the social fabric.

Exploring Disconnection: A Historical Perspective

During his stay, Dr. Alahmad shared a significant finding: while government support for religious communities is a common reality for many groups in Spain, it remains a resource that is hardly tapped by Muslim organizations.

In our dialogue, we explore the deeper systemic reasons for this phenomenon. This dynamic has its roots in colonial times, a period in which Islamic influence in civil life was systematically curtailed and the practice of faith was relegated to the private sphere. This historical legacy has left a lasting mark; For many Muslim immigrant communities, it is easy to understand why participation in civil society is sometimes perceived as an “un-Islamic” activity, simply because, in their countries of origin, such cooperation was neither encouraged nor considered a necessity.

However, we believe that this must change. As Muslims in Spain, we recognize that our faith should not be limited to a private existence. In fact, we insist that including ourselves in society as responsible citizens is a necessary manifestation of our faith. Islam therefore has an essential and proactive role to play in the fabric of civil society. Our community is a vital component of the nation’s social landscape, and cultivating a functional and mutually beneficial relationship with society at large is a duty that reflects the holistic nature of our tradition.

Gratitude and future prospects

We would like to express our sincere thanks to Dr. Alahmad for his time, his interest in our work and the depth of his research. Their research is a necessary step in deconstructing the barriers—both historical and psychological—that hinder the full participation of Muslim institutions in the civil sphere.

We wish Dr. Alahmad every success in his fieldwork and look forward to the conclusions that his forthcoming publications will bring to the understanding of the vital and integrated role of Islam in Spain.