Qantara.de - Dialog mit der islamischen Welt

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a public-health emergency and a steep reduction in oil prices, which represents a perfect storm for the Middle East, where everything from salaries to subsidies are dependent on oil revenues. By Bassem Awadallah and Adeel MalikMore

Saudi Arabia has called on Muslims across the world to put their hajj preparations on hold for the time being. The corona pandemic is impacting one of the central pillars of Islamic life. But how can Saudi Arabia’s cancellation of the hajj be justified theologically? By Lena-Maria Moeller and Serdar KurnazMore

The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted social and economic life across the globe. But in the Middle East, authorities have coupled religious edicts with public health advice to curb the outbreak and guide the faithful.More

As the global economy reels and everyday life grinds to a standstill, we take a look at the spread of coronavirus across the Middle East and the wider Muslim world – and the containment measures being put in placeMore

Many predominantly Muslim countries have penal laws against "blasphemy", "defamation of religion" and "apostasy". In practice they serve as highly effective weapons to settle personal animosities, family vendettas and land disputes. By Thomas KrapfMore

The "maqama", a classical Arabic form of prose-poetry, is still almost unknown in Germany – as is the name of the 11th-century Baghdad poet Ibn Naqiya. A new translation has the potential to change all that. By Gerrit WustmannMore

Reem Al Farangi from Gaza, mother to two children with autism, has created the first Arabic-language website for the parents of disabled children. "Habaybna" provides important information about early recognition, therapies and self-help – and connects parents from across the region. Claudia Mende reports from AmmanMore