Episode 12

’S e an dàrna creideamh as motha san t-saoghail a th’ anns a’ chreideamh Islamach le còrr is billean luchd-leantainn. San Fhraing, tha e coltach gu bheil an àireamh de Mhuslamach timcheall air eadar còig agus deich a-mach às a’ chiad dhen t-sluagh – an àireamh as motha am measg dùthchannan an Aonadh Eòrpaich. Ach tha cuid den bheachd gu bheil Muslamach san Fhraing a’ fulang fo leth-bhreith agus cuid de mhuinntir na Frainge aig a cheart àm fo iomagain gu bheil an cuid fèin-aithne ann an cunnart. ’S e dùthaich a tha a’ riochdachadh co-ionannas, càirdeas agus saorsanachd a th’ anns an Fhraing – A bheil seo fhathast fìor leis an àireamh de Mhuslamaich dualtach fàs gu ìre agus gu bheil barrachd timcheall na Caitligich? Agus a bheil faireachdainnean Islamophobia dha-rìribh am measg sluagh na Frainge? San Fhraing, chan urrainn dha àite sam bith a bhith aig creideamh ann an gnothaichean co-cheangailte ris an riaghaltas agus aig a’ cheart àm chan urrainn dhan riaghaltas a bhith a’ gabhail gnothach sam bith ri cùisean co-cheangailte ri creideamh. Mar sin, dè cho duilich ‘s a tha e dha Muslamach pàirt a ghabhail ann an dòigh-beatha Frangach?

Islam is the second biggest religion in the world with a billion followers. In France, it would appear that the number of Muslims is about between five and ten per cent of the population – the biggest number in any country in the European Union. But many Muslims in France are suffering from discrimination and many of the French people are worried, at the same time, that their own self-identity is in danger. It’s a country that represents liberty, equality and fraternity in France. Is this still true with the number of Muslims growing at such a rate that there are more around than Catholics? And are there Islamophobic feelings amongst the French population? In France, there is no place for religion in business linked with the government and at the same time, the government cannot take issue with matters linked with religion. Since that is the case, how hard is it for Muslims to take their place in the French way of life?