Police investigate Muslim congregation after imam's sermon on hitting women
Police in Kristianstad are investigating a local Muslim congregation following a sermon by Imam Abu Raad, where he discussed physically disciplining wives. The remarks have drawn strong criticism from other Swedish imams. The incident highlights tensions around religious teachings in modern society.
On September 1, 2024, Imam Abu Raad delivered a sermon in a mosque in Kristianstad, Skåne, to an audience of about a hundred. During the sermon, he referenced the Quran and described how men could physically discipline their wives, with restrictions: 'If you hit her, do not hit her in the face,' he stated according to witnesses. The sermon was filmed and shared on social media, leading to a police report on September 5.
Police have initiated a preliminary investigation against the congregation for suspected incitement against a population group and agitation to commit a crime. According to prosecutor Marie-Louise Ramstad, the investigation is in its early stages, and no one is yet suspected. The congregation's spokesperson, a member who wishes to remain anonymous, denies that the sermon incited violence and emphasizes it was a religious interpretation within Islamic tradition.
Other imams in Sweden have distanced themselves from the statement. Imam Mehdi Goudarzi in Stockholm called it 'unacceptable in modern Sweden' and said: 'We condemn all forms of violence against women; Islam calls for respect and dialogue.' Similar criticism came from imams in Malmö and Gothenburg, who stressed that such interpretations do not reflect mainstream Islam in the country. The backlash underscores a broader debate on integration and women's rights within religious communities.
The background to the sermon relates to an ongoing discussion within the congregation about marital roles, but no prior similar incidents have been reported. The investigation continues, and police are seeking additional witness statements.