Ásatrú leader condemns mosque lecture as insult to Iceland

Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson, high priest of the Ásatrúarfélagið religious association, called a lecture by Pakistani religious leader Muhammad Taqi Usmani an insult to Icelandic hospitality and society, mbl.is reported.

Usmani spoke at the Grand Mosque on Bústaðarvegur. He has defended the death penalty for leaving Islam, as well as amputation and stoning as punishments under Islamic law.

“It is simply sad that people have not been told what Iceland’s outlook on life is. This goes against what we stand for,” Hilmar said.

Asked how the association would respond if one of its members or a guest speaking on its behalf advocated violent punishments or opposed the rights of particular groups, Hilmar said it would address the matter immediately.

He said Icelanders had welcomed people over the centuries and tried to understand where they came from and the circumstances of their communities. He said that had not happened at the mosque.

“Hospitality is sacred,” Hilmar said. “You should not offend your hosts, and when you are in another country, you should be careful not to do or say anything that goes against its values.”