Muslim associations in Germany
All topics-
Interview with Ingrid Mattson
″Muslim youngsters need genuine role models″
Muslim youngsters are often unsure as to the real nature of Islam. They need role models within their own communities who are prepared to stand up with self-confidence to extremist ideologies. Ingrid Mattson, a Canadian scholar in Islamic Studies and former president of the largest Muslim organisation in Northern America, spoke to Claudia Mende
-
Refugees in Germany
Mosques: a gateway to integration
The many Muslim refugees currently arriving in Germany are a challenge for the country′s mosques. Not merely in terms of humanitarian aid, but in terms of how German Islam is likely to change and develop as a result. By Andreas Gorzewski
-
Islam and the West
What Islamisation?
The state promotes Islam in public life – and for good reason. This has nothing to do with Islamisation but with the liberties enshrined in the constitutions of the Western democracies, writes Christine Langenfeld, chair of the Expert Council of German Foundations on Integration and Migration
-
Jihadist youths
Is Islam a radicalising force?
What role Islam as a faith plays in jihadism and the radicalisation of young Muslims is something that is rarely addressed. A contribution to the discussion by Dirk Baehr
-
The rights of Muslims in Germany
Protected by the German constitution
The situation in Germany is different to that in Austria: Germany lacks the conditions to pass a Law on Islam. Nevertheless, as Daniel Deckers points out, the German constitution, known as the Basic Law, provides a framework for all religions and already offers Muslims many freedoms – more than they have in countries where Islam shapes the legal system
-
Islam in Germany
The long road to legal recognition
According to expert opinion, there is still a great need for action in the legal recognition of Islam in Germany. There has been some progress in recent years, but Islamic religious communities are still a long way from being on a level footing with others. Susanne Kaiser summarises the deficits
-
Interview with the political scientist Farid Hafez
"An expression of institutional Islamophobia"
The most recent amendment to the Islam Law in Austria is also making waves in Germany. While some politicians at the conservative end of the spectrum would like to introduce a "German version" of the law, critics believe adopting it would be the wrong way to go. One of these critics is the Austrian political theorist Farid Hafez. Emran Feroz asked him about his objections to the new law
-
Young Islam Conference
Headscarves not an issue for young people
Germany's Young Islam Conference has existed for five years, holding its national congress in Berlin recently. Participants say they are working towards a diverse and tolerant Germany. By Bettina Marx
-
Interview with the Islam scholar Lamya Kaddor
Jihad as a form of youth protest
In her new book "Zum Töten bereit. Warum deutsche Jugendliche in den Dschihad ziehen" (Willing to kill. Why German youths are joining the jihad), religious education teacher and scholar of Islam Lamya Kaddor asks why some young Germans are attracted to the jihadi cause. Claudia Mende spoke to her about the radicalisation of young Germans
-
Muslims in Germany
Blocked integration
The case of the cancelled event against homophobia at the Sehitlik Mosque in Berlin is not evidence of the "backwardness of Islam", as many so-called "critics of Islam" are claiming. It is solely an illustration of the fact that conditions in Germany make it incredibly difficult for Muslims to be a self-determined and equal part of our society. By Armin Langer
-
Salafists in Germany
A simple world view and the promise of paradise
Salafists in Germany have been on a recruitment drive for quite some time: handing out flyers and free copies of the Koran in city centres. They are also targeting young people at schools, on the Internet and anywhere where young people meet. How can young people be protected? By Arnfrid Schenk
-
Debate about the role of Muslims in fighting Islamist terrorism
IS is not just a Muslim problem
Why do so many people in Germany assume that Muslims automatically sympathise more with the terrorists of IS than with those who are helping their victims? And why is so little notice being taken of the countless statements made by Muslim theologians and intellectuals who have distanced themselves from the terrorists' appalling acts? A commentary by Katajun Amirpur