'License to preach' for French imams!

The largest group representing French Muslims has called for imams to be given a certificate “like a driving licence” to preach after being tested for extremism.

The French Council for the Muslim Religion (CFCM) is spearheading efforts to counter jihadist propaganda amid renewed scrutiny on mosques following the Paris attacks.

Several of the IS gunmen who killed 130 people in massacres across the capital were French citizens who were radicalised at home.

Anouar Kbibech, president of the CFCM, said imams should be given a certificate “like a driving licence” that ensured they promoted a “tolerant and open Islam”, AFP reported.

He did not say whether he thought the process should be obligatory but added: “The time for action has come. The Muslims of France will play their part.“

The proposed system would test applicants on their theological knowledge and adherence to French values before making them sign a charter agreeing to adhere to French law.

The CFCM is also planning a "religious council" that would challenge jihadist ideology using theological arguments.

British imams have also been urging people to defy intolerance of all kinds after a rise in Islamophobic hate crimes in the wake of the Paris attacks.