Society

Halal Food

Financial Times: How to make lab-grown meat halal

Meat grown in a lab could be considered halal, according to advice from Islamic scholars in Saudi Arabia to a U.S. food start-up, as the industry starts to explore certification for products to fit religious dietary rules.
Migration in the 1960s

Adapting to Germany's fast-changing society

Nassir Djafari's second novel "Mahtab" tells the story of a migrant mother from Iran in 1960s Frankfurt. Not only does it describe how the protagonist adapts to an unfamiliar culture, but also reveals just how much Frankfurt itself was transformed during this period. By Hans Dembowski
By Hans Dembowski
Alcohol in Iran, Turkey and the USA

Are all taboos justified?

Iran's ban on alcohol has led to a rise in methanol poisonings, revealing the deadly side of prohibition. The situation mirrors past failures in the U.S. and contrasts with more lenient policies in countries like Turkey. By Niloofar Gholami
By Niloofar Gholami
The refugee's struggle for identity

Homeless with three homes

In "Heimatlos mit drei Heimaten" – literally, 'homeless with three homes' – the historian and political scientist Aref Hajjaj illustrates his personal experiences from a life led between Palestine, Switzerland and Germany. Volker Kaminski read the book
By Volker Kaminski
War in Syria

Young Syrians' deep sense of alienation

How has the war in Syria affected the attitudes and perspectives of Syrian teenagers growing up during this tough time? Now 25, Jenan Aljundi was 13 when things turned violent. In this personal essay she provides insight into the alienation felt by a young woman remaining in Syria, while friends and family emigrated
By Jenan Aljundi
Muslims in Europe and conflict resolution

Meet Germany's first Islamic affairs consultant

How can local authorities best understand the various Islamic groups in their communities? Or integrate young Muslims? Christoph Strack reports how Germany's first Islamic affairs consultant is resolving conflicts between mosque communities and municipalities
By Christoph Strack
10 years after Egypt's Rabaa massacre

Still waiting for justice

The massacre of protesters in Cairo under Abdul Fattah al-Sisi's watch was one of the worst in modern history – and one of the best documented. But 10 years on, no-one has been held accountable. By Cathrin Schaer
By Cathrin Schaer
Muslims in Germany

Anonymous hate mail rattles mosque congregations

In Germany, numerous mosques are facing threats, yet the security authorities are anything but clued up. Fear, mixed with an increasing sense of frustration, is growing among the country's Muslim community. By Christoph Strack
By Christoph Strack
Equality in the Arab world

Lebanon's 'dangerous' Khateera feminists

A popular Beirut-based media platform is tackling some of Arab society's most sensitive subjects – such as sex, love, desire and gender roles – with distinctive humour. Diana Hodali reports
By Diana Hodali
Beirut blast 3 years on

Still seeking justice in Lebanon

Three years after the explosion in Beirut port that killed nearly 220 people and displaced tens of thousands from their homes, the family of one of the youngest victims is still seeking answers and fighting for justice. By Diana Hodali
By Diana Hodali
People of Colour in the UK

Why anti-racism work is under threat

Although there are more people with an ethnic minority background among UK politicians, writers who do anti-racism work are being demonised. Journalist and author Afua Hirsh discusses the phenomenon with Manasi Gopalakrishnan
By Manasi Gopalakrishnan
Iran's authoritarian dress code

Tehran seeks to enforce hijab rules again

The hijab is not just a piece of clothing. This traditional headscarf holds deep cultural and political significance in Iran. The Islamist regime demands that women wear it for the sake of morality and order. Nonetheless, a considerable number of women have stopped doing so entirely. By Shora Azarnoush
By Shora Azarnoush