A Muslim father denounces a Swedish judo club for not adapting the greeting to Islam
The family has taken the case to the Ombudsman for Equality in Sweden because they believe that Muslims only bow down to Allah. They propose alternatives. halal to make sport more inclusive.
Traditional judo bow
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According to Swedish media such as Today's News, Aftonbladet i Gothenburg Post, A father has filed a complaint against a judo club in Gothenburg with the Ombudsman against Discrimination.. The reason is the club's requirement that all students perform the traditional judo bow before and after training. According to the father, Not accepting an alternative greeting goes against their faith because Muslims only bow before Allah. The family withdrew their children from the club and reported it for being exclusive.
The club did not accept the alternative greeting.
The case begins when the complainant's children join the Göteborg judo club and, according to the family, adapt well. In the complaint documentation, Dad says the children enjoy the sport, the coaches and the friends they've made.. The father argues that forcing a child to make a gesture that he considers contrary to his religious conscience Does not fit with an inclusive sporting environment. Therefore, the family proposed several alternatives. halal to show respect without making the traditional bow, how to make a lighter bow, nod or place a hand over your heart.
The club will not accept any alternative. because reverence is not a religious act, but a formal greeting typical of judo, comparable to shaking hands. It also states that it follows the guidelines of the Swedish Judo Federation and that its intention is not to discriminate against anyone. In the event of refusal, The family withdraws the children from the club and files a complaint. to the Swedish Ombudsman against Discrimination because it considers that this rule excludes Muslim pupils from taking part in sport.
The Swedish Judo Federation defends the club's position. Its president, Kristiina Pekkola, explains that the bow, called rei, is part of judo etiquette and serves to show respect to one's fellow practitioner, to the coach and to the dojo. According to her, To eliminate this gesture would be like allowing handball. The president remains firm in her decision not to make any exceptions.
A former imam rejects that the greeting is forbidden
Aftonbladet reports the opinion of Awad Olwan, a 79-year-old former imam. Olwan says he is familiar with the arguments of both sides and rejects the idea that a Muslim cannot perform the judo bow. He claims to have memorised the entire Qur'an in a year and cites verses 16:114–116 to warn against turning things into halal or haram without foundation. According to him, “not bowing is ridiculous” and he adds that “I've never heard it said that one should not bow down to anyone but God.”. He also sums it up with an even harsher expression: “He's too stupid”.".
His advice to young Muslims who love judo but are unsure whether the bowing conflicts with their faith is straightforward: keep training and carry on bowing. He also says that it “doesn't make you a worse person, but a better one.” To parents worried that their children will have to bow, Olwan replies that sport is a very good activity for young people and that they should send their children to train; if they also want to go to the mosque, all the better.
The case now lies with the Ombudsman against Discrimination, who will have to assess whether the requirement to perform the traditional judo bow infringes the children's freedom of religion or whether it forms part of the sport's own rules.
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