Feeling sympathy and searching for explanations isn't the same as believing that the violence is justified.

Religious symbols should be visible in public space, in a dignified and non-provocative manner. Christmas trees here, Jewish menorahs there and, further along, a minaret - these symbols represent human life in all its diversity.

There is a Sufi trend, a madhabi Sufi trend, and I don't have any problem with this. What is not acceptable is that, first, some scholars are trying to show to the audience that they are open to other trends. However, when it comes to the retreat or the panels, they don't want to be with some of us because they are scared of being exposed.

Violence against embassies and civilians must be categorically condemned. At the same time, we must attempt to understand why such events occur.

Every country in Europe needs immigrants for its economic survival.

No civilisation can claim to have a monopoly on universal values and no one can claim to be always faithful to his own values.

Islam can only be modernized from within. If I state that I condemn the practice of stoning, that this punishment is despicable, it changes nothing. My fellow Muslims will say: Brother Tariq, you became a European, a Swiss citizen, so you are no longer one of us.