Society

Contrasting images of Islam

The last gasp of archaic masculinity?

One in every two people in Germany believes that Islam is not part of German society. Until this attitude changes, the Islam we see in the evening news and not the actual reality of Islam in Germany will remain for many the genuine face of Islam. In this essay, Charlotte Wiedemann takes a closer look at Muslim women in Germany and shows how drastically they differ from the prevailing image of Islam in this country
By Charlotte Wiedemann
After the release of Egyptian blogger Alaa Abdel-Fattah

Freedom of expression at an all-time low

The well-known Egyptian blogger Alaa Abdel-Fattah has been released on bail. Is it a sign that the powers that be in Cairo are ready to allow increased freedom of expression? Egyptian filmmaker and activist Omar Hamilton says it's not. Interview by Sella Oneko
By Sella Oneko
Samaritans in Nablus

The other "People of Israel"

They hold dual citizenship and speak both Arabic and Hebrew fluently. The small Samaritan community in Nablus sees itself as the custodian of the "true religion of the Israelites". Its members support a two-state solution, yet deliberately distance themselves from the Middle East conflict. Laura Overmeyer paid them a visit
By Laura Overmeyer
Interview with Farid Esack

"Pluralist societies are about give and take"

Farid Esack is a Koran scholar and Islamic liberation theologian from South Africa. He is one of the most renowned Islamic thinkers of our time. Claudia Mende spoke to him at the recent international "Horizons of Islamic Theology" conference in Frankfurt
By Claudia Mende
Portrait: Mohammed Dajani-Daoudi

From hardliner to peacemaker

Mohammed Dajani-Daoudi is an unorthodox thinker. Despite the current hatred between Arabs and Jews, he continues to work for reconciliation and dialogue, attracting the ire of his fellow Palestinians in the process. By Ulrike Schleicher
By Ulrike Schleicher
Germans and Ottomans in the First World War

A partnership of privilege

When the First World War began 100 years ago, German advisers in the Ottoman Empire were a common sight. The Ottomans hoped their alliance with the military power Germany would help them reverse their waning military fortunes. In the end, however, they lost their entire empire as a result of the conflict. By Jakob Krais
By Jakob Krais
The "Sharia Police" in Wuppertal

Playing on a widespread fear of Islam in Germany

Eleven young Salafists in bright orange vests with the words "Shariah Police" written on the back patrolled the city of Wuppertal in early September, triggering outrage across Germany. Both politicians and leading Islamic associations have criticised their actions as "illegal parallel justice" and have warned of repercussions. By Stefan Dege
By Stefan Dege
Interfaith dialogue in Palestine

Reviving a heritage of peaceful co-existence

In the village of Kafr Kana in Galilee, Mayor Mujahid Awawida wants to set an example and take a symbolic stand against IS terrorism and religious intolerance: he intends to construct a new complex that will house a mosque, a church and a park. Khaled Hroub has the details
By Khaled Hroub
Muslims who saved Jews during World War II

The forgotten Schindlers

During the Second World War, Muslims like Si Kaddour Benghabrit and Abdul Hussain Sardari risked their lives to save many Jews from deportation. Sadly, however, their selfless actions have long been forgotten. By Emran Feroz
By Emran Feroz
Israeli-Palestinian relations

Dialogue in a time of conflict

Arab cities in Israel, such as Jaffa and Tira, illustrate that Jews and Arabs do live together as good neighbours. Since the Gaza War, however, positions have become more entrenched and mistrust has grown on both sides. Nevertheless, a number of NGOs insist on continuing with dialogue projects. Now more than ever. By Ulrike Schleicher
By Ulrike Schleicher
Interview with Maha El-Kaisy-Friemuth

"We urgently need reform within Islam"

What is the focus of a feminist Islamic theologian's work? And what is the best way to deal with controversial Koran verses in the modern day? Claudia Mende talked to Maha El-Kaisy-Friemuth, professor of Islamic Religious Studies at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
By Claudia Mende
The Trojan Horse scandal in the UK

Claims and counterclaims

Claims that Islamists were trying to Islamise secular state schools in Birmingham rocked the British education system to the core earlier this year. Extremist views in the classroom are a sensitive topic at a time when Britain is concerned about its citizens' reported involvement in jihadist activities in Syria and Iraq. Was there really an Islamist conspiracy? Was the whole thing blown out of proportion? And if so, what will be the consequences? Opinions differ. By Qurratulain Zaman
By Qurratulain Zaman