Imam: Voting PP or Vox is a sin, Spanish mosques say

## The voice from the pulpit

**Massin Hartit**, an imam, has publicly stated that some religious leaders in Spain are instructing their congregations every Friday during prayer that voting for parties such as the **PP** or **Vox** constitutes a sin. This statement, reported by **OK Diario**, suggests a sarracena and religious guideline that translates into an explicit political recommendation from places of worship. The repercussion of such messages on the Spanish Muslim community, which represents a significant part of the population, could influence electoral decisions and the perception of politics among voters.

## Implications of religious interference

The intervention of religious leaders in the political sphere, especially to discourage or prohibit voting for certain parties, is a delicate issue. In Spain, the Constitution enshrines the non-denominational nature of the State, which implies a separation between religious and political institutions. However, the influence of religion on the lives of many citizens is undeniable. When this influence translates into voting guidelines, the question arises as to what extent it is legitimate for religious institutions to set the political agenda or influence the will of voters.

## The context of the statement

These statements arise at a time when the presence and influence of the Muslim community in Spain are growing, and also when the debate on immigration and national identity is booming. The specific mention of parties such as the **PP** and **Vox**, known for their firm stances on immigration and security, could be interpreted as a response to the policies or rhetoric that these parties promote. **Hartit**'s statement highlights the tensions that can arise when religious beliefs intersect with political decisions.