Bismillah was seen written on many posters during student demonstrations in France. After this, a debate started whether the Muslim community was behind the demonstration. US President Donald Trump has also made a statement regarding Muslim immigrants in France. He said he had already advised French President Emmanuel Macron to control migrants. However, he did not provide any evidence to support his claim. Macron dismissed Trump’s comments as foolish.

But the story behind writing Bismillah on the posters was different. A screenshot of the conversation on Snapchat went viral in early October, Al Jazeera reported. In which a user named Mamadu sent a message to join the group of students. He wrote, Bismillah, it’s dark and asked when the protest to close the school would take place. His message also contained emojis of the Algerian flag.

What are the students’ allegations?

The students alleged that the message was sent by an undercover policeman. The policeman was trying to hide his identity and join the group of students and monitor their movements. Students mocked the use of Arabic words in the message and started writing Bismillah on posters. French officials have not made any statement in this matter either.

Bismillah is an Arabic word. It means in the name of God. Muslims usually use it before starting any work. But the demonstration was used by students to mock the alleged police intrusion.

Student demonstrations in France were not related to religion. Students raised issues such as teacher shortages in schools, overcrowding in classes, inflation, inequality and fewer opportunities for advancement. According to Youssef Al Chazli, a researcher at the University of Paris, the case also raises questions about the way police and government agencies think about youths of Arab and African origin.