How can one withstand Islamophobia and racism from hostile governments and populations without hiding or fleeing? A remarkable example comes to us from Poland, where around 60,000 Muslims live. This is a significantly smaller presence than in Italy and elsewhere in Western Europe. Nevertheless, Islām has a centuries-old history on Polish territory, beginning with the communities of Tatar origin that settled in the lands of the former Polish-Lithuanian commonwealth from the late 8th century AH (14th century according to the so-called “gregorian” calendar).
Fleeing the political and military conflicts that were affecting the Mongol khanates of Eastern Europe, they became an integral part of the local society, gradually losing their original language, but preserving what is most precious to a human being: faith in Allāh subhānahu wa-taʿālā.
The mosques of Bohoniki and Kruszyniany, in the north-eastern region of Podlachia, bear witness to this ancient presence. Yet, Tatars remain to this day an important component of Polish Islām, which in recent decades has become a broader and more diverse reality, comprising Muslims from the Arab world, Chechnya, Türkiye, Central Asia, and elsewhere, alongside Polish citizens who have returned to Islām – Alhamdulillāh.
For further information on the past and present history of our brothers and sisters in Poland, we recommend watching the excellent documentary “Discovering Islam in Poland. Many Poles Convert to Islam”, produced by the YouTube channel Islamic Shahada: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdbvhBOLq7E.
What harm can 60,000 fully integrated and peaceful people possibly do to Poland, with its population of 37.5 million? They account for approximately 0.16 percent of the total population – 1 person in every 625. And yet, even there, Muslims are a source of annoyance… regardless of their numbers and actions. By now, it is clear: it is not about numbers, but solely about faith. This should not surprise us, however. We know that the first believers in Makkah formed an extremely small group, surrounded by a deeply hostile society. Mockery, pressure, discrimination and, in some cases, outright physical persecution have accompanied the experience of being Muslim from the very beginning.
The truth (al-Haqq) is frightening, and this explains the rise in hate speech, attacks on mosques, and anti-Islamic and anti-immigration demonstrations also in Poland. Throwing of pieces of pork is an outward symptom of the misery that drives Polish Islamophobes as well.
“Poland without Islām”, they threaten, giving voice to the frustration and resentment underlying such religious, ethnic and identity-based fanaticism. What should be done? So far, Polish Muslims have responded with cleverness and balance (wasatiyyah), giving rise to a silent Resistance characterized not by major campaigns, but by remaining firmly anchored to the rope of the Almighty in everyday life: continuing to attend the mosque, raising their children in the Dīn, observing Ramadān, celebrating the ʿĪd, and building positive relationships with their Polish fellow citizens. They have not succumbed to the provocations, while the number of believers continues to grow.
Every country is unique, but the “straight path” followed by Muslims in Poland offers important lessons for reflection for Muslims in Italy. May Allāh subhānahu wa-taʿālā always guide us to seek His pleasure and to do His will. That is the only thing that truly matters… Amīn!
