European Islam
All topics-
Book review: Emel Zeynelabidin's "You grow up only in this life"
The headscarf is not a gauge of devoutness
In her book "Erwachsen wird man nur im Diesseits" (You grow up only in this life), the Turkish-German author Emel Zeynelabidin reflects on the period of her life when she wore a headscarf and explains why she stopped doing so without abandoning her faith. By Annalena Junggeburth
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Green Islam
The fair mosque
Mosques with solar panels, fair trade products and a guide to living an eco-friendly life during the Hajj ... Eco Islam is gaining momentum. Ulrike Hummel reports on a project that seeks to develop environmental awareness among Muslims in Germany
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The Islamic faith
When Muslims renounce their faith
Fearing ostracism or even death, many former Muslims keep their lack of faith a secret. A German organisation offers support to people who choose to turn their back on Islam for whatever reason. By Naomi Conrad
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Debate on European Islam
A Mined Terrain
The concept of European Islam has proved to be a constant source of controversy. For some it embodies the deliverance of Islam from everything that is perceived as backward looking and pre-modern. Others fear that a European Islam is a watered-down religion, a kind of government-controlled "state Islam", prepared to fully accommodate to the wishes of the authorities. By Claudia Mende
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Islamophobia and Racism in France
Shocking Indifference
Attacks on Muslim establishments are on the increase in France. Most recently, the Grand Mosquée in Paris was daubed with racist slogans. Islamophobia and xenophobia are also featuring more prominently in the public discourse. Bernhard Schmid reports
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Muslims in Liberal Democracies
Why the West Fears Islam
Harvard professor and Islam expert Jocelyne Cesari looks into the mechanisms of the West's fear of Islam, and ponders on how the dominant narrative that tends to present Islam as an alien religion can be countered
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Muslims in Britain
Seeking to Combat Extremism
The brutal killing of Lee Rigby in London in May by two Muslim converts was widely condemned by Muslim religious leaders, but still led to a rise in threats made against Muslims and mosques. Many Muslims in Britain, however, work to try and counter extremism. Joanna Impey reports
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The Dialogue Lexicon
Christianity and Islam on Equal Terms
The Eugen Biser Foundation in Munich and the Islamic-Theological Faculty at the University of Ankara have published a joint lexicon of basic terms from Christianity and Islam. The reference text in German and Turkish provides, for the first time, a parallel presentation of two monotheistic religions in one work. By Claudia Mende
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Documentary on Integration Courses in Germany
How to Become a German
Is it possible to learn integration? Germany thinks so. Since 2005, special courses have been helping immigrants become familiar with German language and culture. But do they really work? A Berlin film-maker wanted to find out. Melanie Lachner watched the resulting documentary
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Interview with the Lebanese Artist Ghazi Kahwaji
''I Believe that Several Paths Lead to God''
The Lebanese artist and writer Ghazi Kahwaji sees the revival of Mediterranean humanism as a basis for intercultural dialogue between Arab and European societies. An interview by Aladdin Sarhan
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Islamophobia
Evidence Does Not Support Fears of Islam in the West
Why has a dichotomy persisted between Muslim and Western societies despite the bulk of academic research dispelling any notion of incompatibility? Director of the Islam in the West program at Harvard University Jocelyne Cesari explains
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Former Bosnian Grand Mufti's Message to Pope Francis
Call to Muslim-Christian Friendship
The election of Argentine Pope Francis, the 266th Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church, deserves both our congratulations and our reflection for the future of Muslim-Christian coexistence and dialogue. By former Bosnian Grand Mufti Mustafa Ceric