Many Americans and Swedes are questioning why radical Yasir Qadhi, known for his Islamic extremist views and terror-tied associations, was allowed to deliver lectures on Islam to young Muslims in Stockholm and Malmö, raising more concerns about the radicalization of young Muslim migrants.
Yasir Qadhi, a Pakistani-born American and graduate of the Salafi Islamic University of Medina in Saudi Arabia, recently sparked controversy during his lecture tour in Sweden. Known as the global hub of Islamic radicalism, his alma mater’s reputation precedes him. His remarks in Stockholm and Malmö, aimed at young Muslims, have been criticized for their divisive rhetoric. Critics are alarmed by his ‘Great Replacement’ predictions regarding Sweden’s future Islamized demographic landscape.
Divisive Rhetoric and Alarming Predictions
Qadhi, known for his contentious Islamic views and terror-tied affiliations, has sparked outrage by suggesting that Sweden is on the path to becoming a majority Muslim nation within a single generation. He likened the streets of Malmö to war-torn cities in the Middle East. “Walking through the streets of Malmö is like walking through Baghdad or Damascus,” Qadhi remarked in a video posted on YouTube, further stoking tensions with his comments about the city’s transformation into a Muslim area marred by urban decay and insecurity, particularly for women.
The theologian’s predictions are grounded in demographic data. He cites statistics that suggest a significant decline in Sweden’s birth rates, particularly among ethnic Swedes, in contrast with much higher fertility rates among Muslim communities. According to Qadhi, this trend will inevitably lead to a demographic shift, with Muslims comprising a substantial portion of Sweden’s population in the near future.
A “Halal Secret Weapon” for Demographic Change
Qadhi claimed that within one generation, the city of Malmö would likely be almost half Muslim, emphasizing the demographic shift due to higher birth rates among Muslims compared to ethnic Swedes. He referred to Muslims having more children as a “halal secret weapon” for demographic change, implying the Islamization of Swedish cities like Malmö.
He also bragged about their demographic growth overall in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, stating, ‘Within the last 30 years, Islam has gone from zero to the second-largest religion in all of these three countries… Stockholm, 10%, Oslo 10%… It’s phenomenal.’
Renowned Journalist’s Perspective
Gunnar Sandelin, a Swedish journalist and acclaimed author, similarly addressed the demographic changes, noting that 30% of the population is now foreign-born and predicting that “Sweden will become Europe’s most Muslim-populated country.”
People of foreign origin have increased by almost 1.5 million. People of Swedish origin decreased by almost 25,000. “Foreign-origin” people are those who are born abroad and both of whose parents are of foreign-origin.
Sandelin explains that Sweden stands out not only among Nordic countries but also in the Western World for the volume of immigrants it accepts per capita. Highlighting the sources of immigration, Syria, Iraq, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Eritrea were mentioned as the top countries of origin for immigrants to Sweden. Conversely, the majority of those emigrating from Sweden are ethnic Swedes.
The renowned journalist was one of the first mainstream figures in Sweden to be ostracized, fired, and banned from his profession for simply exposing official government figures on migration.
Great Replacement
Qadhi’s remarks and Sandelin’s immigration figures validate the “Great Replacement” theory. This theory suggests that indigenous European populations are being systematically replaced by non-European migrants, particularly from the MENA region, and has been widely denounced as a right-wing conspiracy theory.
While the European Union has formally condemned the Great Replacement theory as right-wing extremist rhetoric, its recent resolution sharply contrasts with the undeniable demographic changes witnessed in various European countries. These changes are not mere statistics but represent a radical fundamental shift in European societies’ cultural and social fabric.
Radical Associations and Inflammatory Statements
Qadhi’s visit to Sweden has raised questions about why the country would allow such a controversial figure to enter and potentially exacerbate existing tensions within its Islamic migrant community. Critics have pointed to Qadhi’s history of making inflammatory statements and his associations with organizations and individuals linked to extremism.
Reports indicate that Qadhi has previously expressed support for terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, as well as espousing anti-Semitic views and Holocaust denial. His past affiliations with groups like the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), which the FBI has probed for ties to terrorism, have only added to the controversy surrounding his presence in Sweden.
Qadhi, who has memorized the entire Qur’an, has proudly raised money for Islamic charity linked to Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. In 2019, he joined the highly controversial East Plano Islamic Center as a resident scholar.
Furthermore, Qadhi’s advocacy for the replacement of democratic systems with Sharia law and his derogatory characterization of Christians and Jews have ignited condemnation from various quarters. He specifically labels Christians as ‘filthy’ polytheists whose ‘life and prosperity… holds no value in the state of Jihad’ and accuses Jews of plotting to destroy Muslim peoples and societies.
Additionally, Qadhi is known to be an acolyte of Ali al-Timimi, a Virginia-based Imam currently serving life in prison for inciting jihad against U.S. troops in Afghanistan. His remarks during lectures in Sweden, where he suggested that Muslims should take control of their own institutions to preserve their theological independence, have only served to deepen concerns about his influence.
Qadhi has also called for the killing of gays and blasphemers. He has previously stated, ” said that to “kill … the homosexual – this is also our religion,” and that “to make fun of Allah and his Messenger, the punishment is death.”
Calls for Accountability
Swedish authorities have faced criticism for allowing Qadhi to enter the country and deliver lectures to Muslims without adequate scrutiny or oversight. Questions have been raised about the potential consequences of giving a platform to radicals who espouse Jihadis views and promote dangerous Islamic teaching, particularly in a country grappling with Islamic integration issues and rising tensions surrounding third-world immigration.
Swedish authorities have remained tight-lipped about Qadhi’s visit to their country. However, calls for greater transparency and accountability in monitoring individuals who may threaten social cohesion and national security have grown louder in the wake of Qadhi’s controversial tour.