By Ishaya Ibrahim
A video of Nabil Absi, a Muslim man originally from Algeria but lives in Quebec, Canada, has stunned many.
The video showed the man dressed in Catholic priestly attire and walked right into a Catholic church during mass. He went close to the priest, spread his Islamic prayer mat and performed the Islamic ritual to the shock of the congregants who watched him while also reciting their Christian hymnal song simultaneously.
Members of Parliament in Canada have condemned the action of the man who disrupted the church mass, reported Epoch Times.
“This disruption of a Catholic Mass is appalling. It’s also a criminal act,” wrote Conservative MP Michael Barrett on X (formerly Twitter) Jan. 25.
Independent MP Kevin Vuong also commented on the video on X.
“This must be condemned as we would if this was done to any other religion,” said Mr. Vuong.
“Similarly, more needs to be acted on re: acts of arson against churches. The case for an Office of Religious Freedom with an international AND domestic mandate becomes ever stronger to protect all of faith.”
In a video he posted to his Facebook page, Mr. Absi can be seen walking up to the priest presiding over the Mass.
“Excuse me, my father,” Mr. Absi says in French to the priest. “I can’t find a mosque, would it bother you if I prayed over there? It’s a sacred place.”
The priest politely agrees and gestures toward the floor a few feet away.
The camera then pans over to an elderly woman taking in the scene. She makes the sign of the cross. Mr. Absi’s video captions the action with the phrase, “She is shocked,” including a laughter emoji.
Mr. Absi begins to pray on a small carpet in Islamic fashion. After a while, he leaves and thanks the priest on his way out.
Mr. Barrett noted the muted response of the congregation to the events that took place.
“The reserved response of clergy and the gathered faithful isn’t indifference – it’s a testament to their devotion,” he said on X.
Epoch Times said it reached out to Absi over his action. He responded over Facebook Messenger, saying his intention was to “highlight tolerance within Canadian society.”
“Your interest in my video is greatly appreciated,” he wrote.
“My intention was to share the beauty of Christianity and highlight tolerance within Canadian society. By humbly asking for permission to pray, I aimed to respect the space while celebrating my faith. The positive reaction from my Christian peers confirms the loving aspect of this religion and its ability to promote tolerance,” he added.
Algerian Islamist youtuber Nabil Absi storms into a Quebec church during Mass and performs Quranic rituals. Disgusting. pic.twitter.com/ASIQHH4u0u
— Dr. Maalouf (@realMaalouf) January 25, 2024
