Islamic charities and the monitoring of their activities sparks debate

A debate brewed in Kuwait over the role of Islamic charities and the government's role in monitoring their activities following the arrest of Sulaiman Abu Ghaith, a Kuwaiti national and key Al Qaida official spokesman.

Abu Ghaith, like many others, left for Afghanistan and became a part of the group known as "Afghan Arabs".

Arguments raised the issue of using Islam as a religion to achieve a certain agenda in the political arena. A couple of interviews with senior officials, one of whom is a member of the Kuwaiti ruling family, over the past few months stirred strong reactions.

Though, generally, this aspect of the issue was discussed as part of the U.S.-led war against terrorism, it peaked following statements by the officials. Highlights of both interviews sum up their points of view.

'Kidnapped'

"Kuwait is kidnapped," said Sheikh Saud Nasser Al Sabah, former minister of oil and information. In an interview with the London based Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Sheikh Saud criticised the role of Islamists in Kuwait. Sheikh Saud, who was also former ambassador to the U.S., triggered a debate with his comments in Parliament and in the press.

Sheikh Saud said Kuwait "has been kidnapped by groups that call themselves 'Islamic' but the truth is that these groups take advantage of Islam and use it to advance their political agenda."

Sheikh Saud said Kuwait's official stand on the September 11 attacks was hesitant, indecisive and conservative. "It was more of a stuttering than a clear statement. I find this astonishing."

Sheikh Saud believes that the reason behind this is the role played by Islamic groups in pressuring the government. "The coalition between the government and Islamists will cause damage to its architects," he said.

Sheikh Saud also described the activities of these groups as being suspicious and shady "which did not stand as an obstacle to their growth in power. Unfortunately, the government, since Kuwait's liberation, has left all the reins loose. They were allowed to move freely and establish associations and committees which gave them the opportunity to play a strong role in Kuwaiti life."

He added that their activities in Kuwait reveal that these groups want to take control of the political process. "Because of my frank and clear positions, I have got into a number of confrontations with groups that brand themselves as being Islamic. I am a Muslim. but I am against politicising and taking advantage of religion, because I am convinced of the importance of keeping Islam away from politics," said Sheikh Saud.

He also expressed surprise at how "these so called Islamic groups" could issue an announcement declaring their opposition to the American strikes against Afghanistan.

"Though this announcement was banned from being published in Kuwaiti newspapers, it was leaked and everyone came to know of it. There was no need to put out such a statement at such a critical time as the U.S. is fighting terrorism, and it is not a war against Islam," added Sheikh Saud.

Many in these organisations have connections with similar groups abroad, stressed Sheikh Saud. The government has not been able to ban some of their activities. This will lead the country to the brink of an explosion, he pointed out.

Sheikh Saud said there are many financial institutions that are under the control of Islamists which operate undetected. Many of their financial operations do not come under the supervision of the Kuwaiti Central Bank.

"We have misunderstood democracy. I strongly believe in it and in the freedom of expression. But to use democracy to serve pure political and partisan ends makes me frankly say that Kuwait is incapable of handling these conflicts. I wish the government would move quickly and take practical measures to end this," Sheikh Saud added.

He also said many organisations that should have been active socially and in charity work have altered their activities to that of a political nature.

A second interview, which was also provocative and went along the lines of Sheikh Saud's, was the one conducted with Dr. Sa'd bin Tafla Al Ajji in Al Seyassah. He opens fire on Islamic groups in Kuwait and their activities in the country.

Dr. Al Ajji was the former minister of Information and submitted his resignation after less than two years in office. Though some speculated that the resignation came following some "pressure" and that it was "forced", Dr. Al Ajji insists that it was his decision. He was convinced that he was not being able to implement changes he wanted.

Supervision

Dr. Al Ajji believes that all non-profit and charity work should be under the government's control and supervision. It should be part of the government's efforts, said Dr. Al Ajji. Though there are some committees that are authorised by the government to conduct charity work, yet there are others that have no legal right to carry out their activities, he added.

Unfortunately, the government is not able to control, supervise or monitor the work of all institutions that have a religious hue. Using the same description as Sheikh Saud's, Dr. Al Ajji said because of such a lack of supervision, these institutions have been "kidnapped" and turned into a breeding ground for terrorists and extremists or a source for financing their activities.

'Culture of terror'

Dr. Al Ajji talks about what he terms as the "culture of terror". When he was asked specifically in the interview whether Islamic charities in Kuwait support terrorism, Dr. Al Ajji said: "It is from Kuwait. And the Kuwaiti citizen is the biggest supporter and financier of the culture of terror."

There is proof to support his point, said Dr. Al Ajji. The evidence is in the absence of government role in monitoring mosques for example, he said. There are mosques that represent so many sects that they cannot be counted, said Dr. Al Ajji.

The former minister also questioned the reason behind having so many camps and gatherings in Al Jahra in Kuwait for religious personalities that no one knows anything of. These religious leaders are from Kuwait and abroad. "They recruit young men and pump them with extremist and terrorist beliefs. This is called the culture of terrorism that I speak of," said Dr. Al Ajji.

He insists that it is not surprising to find people like Sulaiman Abu Ghaith in Kuwaiti society. Abu Ghaith "did not emerge from a vacuum. The rest of the group that emerged with him also did not descend from the sky. They sprung up from these charity committees and have institutionalised the culture of terror in Kuwait," said Dr. Al Ajji.

Abu Ghaith and the group of Kuwaiti nationals who went to Afghanistan for jihad with the Taliban are the "children" of the culture of terror, said Dr. Al Ajji. Such an environment can only breed a terrorist.

Unfortunately, there are many, who under the name of Islam, have been convincing people of things that are not related to Islam. Many have reached senior posts as a result, believes Dr. Al Ajji.

"What I am talking about is how Islam has been politicised," said Dr. Al Ajji. After a group used the youth and pushed them into the abyss, they star