Sheikh Munir

Message to the youngsters

The RESET message of Sheikh David Munir, the Imam of the Central Mosque of Lisbon, to the youngsters is: “Know each other, respect each other, know how to live with each other, value family, don’t quit studies and make dreams come true” in order to sensitize youngsters on the importance of family and make them aware to think before doing anything, because what they will do today will return to them in the future, whether good or bad in the other words ‘karma’.
The video aims to build awareness in youngsters and people around them regarding the value of family as well as to appreciate what one has.

Education Against Radicalization

Sheikh David Munir recalls that knowledge in Islam is mandatory (Recite in the name of your Lord who created – Created man from a clinging substance. Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous – Who taught by the pen – Taught man that which he knew not. Quran: 96, 1-5) and that parents should be the first teachers of their children. The Leader of the Central Islamic Mosque of Lisbon also addresses that education must be comprehensive and must adapt to nowadays’ circumstances.

Discrimination in Today’s World

Sheikh Munir speaks about the issue of discrimination in today’s world where people are so close virtually but continue to discriminate. Sheikh Munir sees education as the key to have a cohesive and peaceful society still the Imam of the Central Mosque of Lisbon admits that there are dangers in this new digital era. Globalization, the Internet, social media and other platforms have the power to influence, positively or negatively. An example of the negative influence is the self-proclaimed Islamic State propaganda machine whose action on the Internet is one of the keys to catch the attention of those more vulnerable.

The Stigma Towards Islam

Sheikh Munir highlights the stigma towards Muslims. And how is the automatic link between acts of violence such as terrorism and the Islamic religion for Sheikh Munir, people who carry out such actions should not be associated with Islam because this religion is a religion of peace and tolerance.

Radical Interpretation of the Quran

Sheikh David Munir supports that people who know Islam and who misrepresent some verses of the Quran must read it again. It is very important that this reading is done with an open mind. The Imam of the Central Mosque of Lisbon argues that there are verses from the Quran that have been revealed for a specific time and that there are others that are timeless. Decontextualization is one of the causes of misinterpretations. Especially when concerning holy books, this action can have a manipulative power which can be used towards vulnerable individuals.

Countering Radicalization

Most individuals who enlist in ISIS, do it so for several reasons. Either to become a war martyr and thus give a transcendent meaning to life, or to pursue a better life promised to them on the Internet through highly studied messages to manipulate the target. Many are youngsters, living an identity crisis. The Imam of the Central Mosque of Lisbon says that according to Islam no one can compel another to be like them. Sheikh Munir emphasizes that being a believer is important but knowing their belief and their creed is much more relevant. For Sheikh Munir who becomes a radical is someone that does not know their own belief: “Islam condemns all kinds of radicalism, all kinds of terrorism and all kinds of violence”.