“The mosque in Milan must be under the aegis of the institutions. It cannot belong to a single association.” That’s what Benaissa Bounegab, director of the Casa della Cultura Musulmana on Via Padova 144, believes. The Casa della Cultura Musulmana itself doesn’t align with any specific Islamic organization. This stance has fueled controversy, especially following the “Moschea sì prego” (Mosque yes please) campaign by CAIM, the Coordination of Islamic Associations of Milan, Monza, and Brianza.
Instead of supporting a mosque financed and controlled by a single association, Bounegab envisions a mosque for the entire city, entrusted to an association. He suggests seeking international funding for the project, specifically from institutions known to support what is considered “good Islam.” Currently, Morocco and Jordan are seen as the most suitable candidates, while Egypt’s political stances make it less favorable. Bounegab believes it’s “certainly going to be a monarchy” that will ultimately finance Milan’s mosque.
Bounegab proposes the Grand Mosque of Rome as a model, built 40 years ago with funding from Saudi Arabia and then handed over to Italian associations for management. He highlights the absence of agreements between the Italian state and Islamic associations regarding mosque management. Building a new mosque is unnecessary, Bounegab argues. Instead, he suggests renovating and improving existing prayer centers in Milan. For him, the issue of the mosque is ultimately a political one, especially with the upcoming Expo. Milan, he believes, cannot afford to be without a mosque for the event.