Spanish Muslims decry ‘racist’ ban on public Islamic celebrations

Community brands move ‘racist’ and attack on religious freedom as far-right Vox pushes restrictions

By Abdullahi Yusuf

The Muslim community in the Spanish town of Jumilla, in Murcia, says it has been left “shocked” and “devastated” by a local council decision to ban Islamic celebrations from municipal sports facilities.

The move follows a proposal by the far-right Vox party, which has pushed similar measures elsewhere in Spain, including in the city of Murcia.

While Vox’s bid to block Muslim religious events such as Eid al-Adha in public venues failed in Murcia’s city council, it found backing in Jumilla, where the local government adopted the restrictions.

The council described Islamic celebrations as “foreign” and “incompatible with Spain’s customs and identity”, despite the country’s Muslim population of around 2.5 million.

In debates, Vox spokesperson Alba Franco linked Muslim practices to alleged “insecurity” and warned of the “Islamisation” of neighbourhoods. In Murcia, the right-wing People’s Party (PP) rejected Vox’s wording, calling it “sectarian” and contrary to Spain’s democratic values and constitutional freedoms.

In Jumilla, however, the ban means Muslim communities can no longer use public sports halls to hold events such as Eid al-Fitr, ending a decades-old practice and sparking widespread concern.

“This is a step backwards. It has left the Muslim community in shock. We don’t see it just as a political attack, but as a lack of respect,” said Walid Habbal, coordinator of the Islamic Commission of Murcia.

He criticised the council for acting without consultation or offering alternatives, warning the decision could undermine local coexistence.

“Just as Spaniards celebrate Mass and Holy Week processions, we want our children to connect with their traditions and festivals naturally, without shame or fear,” Habbal added.

Ihaba Fahmi, head of education at the Islamic Commission of Spain, urged Jumilla to uphold Muslims’ right to celebrate publicly.

“If celebrations are to be banned in sports halls, then a better alternative must be provided,” he told state broadcaster RTVE, accusing local leaders of fuelling division for political gain.

The Moroccan Association for the Integration of Immigrants condemned the ban as an “antidemocratic drift” and called on Spain’s government to intervene.

It warned that such measures violate Article 16 of the constitution, religious freedom laws, and Spain’s cooperation agreement with the Islamic Commission.

“What starts with hate speech ends with physical assaults, threats, and terrified families. Today it’s Jumilla. Tomorrow it could be anywhere else,” the group said.

Source: The New Arab

SPONSORED

SPONSORED