Society

Textbook on Islam for German Schools

Conflicts between Tradition and Modernity

The German state of North Rhine-Westphalia is introducing a schoolbook that introduces pupils to Islam. But is the teacher in it going to wear a headscarf or not, and is correct to use the Arabic term "Allah" for God? Ulrike Hummel reports
By Ulrike Hummel
Controversy Surrounding the Al-Zaytuna Mosque in Tunis

The Ambivalent Revival of Islamic Traditions

Among the signs of a gradual cultural turnaround in the countries of the Arab Spring is the conflict that has been simmering for several months regarding the revival of the old Islamic school at the Al-Zaytuna Mosque in Tunis. By Joseph Croitoru
By Joseph Croitoru
The Iranian-Israeli Circle

''We Should Hate Each Other''

Israeli and Iranian students in Berlin have forged an anti-war alliance to express their opposition to war, sanctions and occupation. They regard the nuclear conflict between their two countries as an artificially created issue that serves to keep both governments in power. By Marian Brehmer
By Marian Brehmer
Interview with Naika Foroutan

''Young Muslims wish to play their part in shaping Germany''

A new study is shedding light on the worlds in which young Muslims in Germany live. Britta Mersch talked to Naika Foroutan from the Institute of Social Sciences at Berlin's Humboldt University about its findings
By Britta Mersch
Book Review: Volker Perthes on the Arab Spring

The Rebellion of the Young

Volker Perthes is director of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs in Berlin. In his new book, Der Aufstand (The Uprising), he looks at the Arab uprisings and considers what they could mean for German and European policy and for the Middle East as a whole. Claudia Mende read the book for Qantara.de
By Claudia Mende
Muslim and Arab Women at the Olympics

Gold Medal or Headscarf?

With the world celebrating the arrival of two headscarf-wearing athletes at the Olympics, does their participation mark another step along the road towards emancipation? In actual fact, Muslim athletes have been successful at the Olympics for decades. The Games are degrading Arab female athletes by portraying them as something exotic, writes Manfred Sing in his essay
By Manfred Sing
The Destiny of the Syrian Refugees

''The Floodgates of Humanity Must Be Opened Immediately''

Christian Springer is a popular German author who is best known for his social and political satire. He is also the founder of the aid organization Orienthelfer (Orient helpers), which has been helping Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon since the start of the uprising against the Assad regime. Samira Sammer spoke to him about the refugees' humanitarian predicament
By Samira Sammer
Mona Eltahawy's controversial article in <i>Foreign Policy</i> magazine

An Attempt to Portray Arab Women as Victims

In the May/June special issue of the American magazine Foreign Policy, the Egyptian-American journalist Mona Eltahawy published an article claiming that the root of women's problems in the Middle East is quite simply that men hate them. Opinions on the article differ widely. Joseph Mayton asked a number of women in Tunisia and Egypt what they thought of it
By Joseph Mayton
Europe's ''Judeo-Christian Heritage''

The Fiction That It Always Was

Contemporary debate over Europe's identity increasingly refers to the continent's Christian or Judeo-Christian heritage. But a closer look at the history books belies this theory and teaches us that for centuries, Islam and Judaism have played an integral role in shaping European history and that both religions have been regarded with deep hostility down through the centuries. By Stefan Schreiner
By Stefan Schreiner
Islamic Law and Ethics

''We Are Calling for a New Interpretation of the Koran''

A new research centre in Qatar seeks to focus more attention on the ethical dimension of Islam. The founders of the centre and its director, Tariq Ramadan, are calling for a new interpretation of the Koran in order to advance a contemporary Islamic understanding of matters such as environmental ethics and gender issues. Christoph Dreyer spoke to the centre's deputy director, Jasser Auda
By Christoph Dreyer
The Holy Month of Ramadan

To Fast or Not to Fast

None of the five pillars of Islam is observed by as many Muslims as fasting in Ramadan. Some people who don't otherwise obey any religious rules fast; others make a conscious decision not to. Stephanie Doetzer spoke to a number of Muslims who have decided not to fast
By Stephanie Doetzer
The Iraqi Education System

Education in an Age of Terror

Once renowned throughout the Arab world for the importance it attached to good education, Iraq and its education system have suffered enormously since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein nine years ago. Many intellectuals fled abroad or into the provinces of Iraqi Kurdistan, triggering change in the education system there. Birgit Svensson reports from Baghdad
By Birgit Svensson