News

In response to the issue of the taking of children by the Social Service Authority in Sweden, the Swedish Council for Fatwa has followed up on the movement in Sweden regarding the “LVU” law, which stipulates the taking of children from their parents. The Council indicated the need not to allow any movement or media platform, at home or abroad, to take advantage of the suffering of families, and divert the movement from its course, which we hope will succeed in its endeavor. We also want to emphasize the following:

First: It is unreasonable for anyone to underestimate the tragedy of a person who lost his children, a feeling that one cannot bear to imagine.

Second: The Messenger of God, may God bless him and grant him peace, said: “Religion is advice.” We see in this movement a good that we hope for and an evil that we disavow. As for the good, it sheds light on the suffering of grieving parents, and their hope of recovering their children. As for evil, it is this fragmentation that befell society that did not exist before. Until recently, everyone praised Sweden as the country of prosperity and freedoms. We have seen some slogans and phrases, inside and out, that do not resemble our country Sweden and its hospitable people, saying that it is: “the country of terrorism”, “kidnapping children from their families”, “taking Muslim children from their families”, “country of muzzling mouths”, and “a country enslavement of Muslim children” ..etc.

If the people want this movement to succeed, it must be noted that:

1. Not to allow any party, sect, or media platform, at home or abroad, to take advantage of your suffering, and to divert this movement from its hoped-for path.

2. We all know that the law “LVU” was not made for Muslims, nor to take their children; Rather, it applies to everyone. This law, and the rest of the social laws, was developed with the intent of protecting the child from physical or psychological harm, or extreme neglect.

3. The law must be respected on the one hand, while ensuring the right of the victim to resort to expressing his rejection of it, or some of its provisions, in peaceful and democratic ways, and working to change it according to legal means.

4. Changing the laws in democratic countries, especially Sweden, takes place by convincing the general public or the majority of the people of the necessity of repealing the law, amending it, or adding provisions to it. This is up to the parliament parties, and then the movement reaches its goal.

5. Laws are usually enacted according to the needs and conditions of the local community, and scale with appropriate time frame, vision, and solutions; Taking into account flexibility when applied and the evolution of society. Before, the number of children taken was few, then it accelerated with the increase in the number of refugees. On the one hand, the government agencies failed to educate them about the laws in force. On the other hand, the parents did not follow the educational methods that do not contradict the laws, which may differ from what they are accustomed to in their countries. And when the parents found that the punishment was more than they could bear, and that it was greater than the mistake they had committed, and because of their love for their children, the gap between the two sides grew. So this must be taken into account.

6. There is no doubt that not all parents are suitable for custody of their children, and therefore, sometimes the matter requires the intervention of social affairs.

7. We have a responsibility to defend our country, Sweden, and its society, against any accusation of discrimination against Muslims and their children. This harms the people of Sweden, and makes them exchange extremism with us, the immigrants. Also, this may harm the endeavor of those who want their children to return, as well as the future of our children.

8.We have to unite, inside Sweden, against the enemies of the outside. This can only be done by making efforts to reassure the people whose children have been taken, and who are afraid of the Social Affairs Department, which may not take into account issues such as religion, duration, reassurance of parents, and their communication with the children under the supervision of the law.

9. The lack of trust between those who came - especially recently - from outside Sweden and the Department of Social Affairs is worrying.

10. Rehabilitating and educating parents is the best way to resolve the issue. Children should not be separated from their parents, or prevented from continuing their religion and language as much as possible.

11. Social affairs shall rehabilitate families that meet the legal requirements to be alternative families when needed, to ensure that the child does not break away from his religious and cultural roots.

12. We remind the families, and those who sympathize with them, to use the peaceful methods authorized by law. And that they must take the necessary permits, abide by the laws in force, and not incite against peace and security, so as not to lose the community's sympathy with their cause. They must also use licensed civil associations with legal references, use various means that lead them to their goals, and have continuous dialogue with stakeholders through channels that enjoy the confidence of all parties.

Well intended

“Our Lord! Give us comfort in our spouses and offspring. And make us a good example for the righteous.”

al-Furqan: 74