Society

Second German Islam Conference

Without Alternative

The continuation of the German Islam Conference is worthwhile, says Loay Mudhoon. The public row over those attending and the new orientation of the second session of the conference must not be allowed to overshadow the meeting's success up to this point in advancing Muslim integration in Germany, he argues
Smoking Ban in Syria

Smoke-free Zone

Whether it be water pipes or cigarettes, smoking in public spaces is now banned in Syria – an astounding development for the country and a first for an Arab state. Alfred Hackensberger has the details
Interview with Mouhanad Khorchide

"For Me, It's a Question of Finding a Contemporary Interpretation of Islam"

Mouhanad Khorchide, originally from Lebanon, has been appointed Professor of Islamic Religious Education Theory at the University of Münster, where he will take over from Sven Kalisch, a controversial figure in Muslim circles. Kersten Knipp interviewed the theologian
The Niqab in Germany

An Unusual Perspective

What is it like to live as a woman who covers her face with a veil in Germany? How do people on the street react? Chamselassil Ayari wore a Muslim full-body covering garment for one day.
Debate about Integration in Germany

The Nation State and Its Immigrants

The immigration debate is emotionally charged. Nevertheless, there is no place for sensitivities of this kind during discussions and debates. If the Germans want to embrace those who have immigrated to their country, they have to get more involved in the debate – and in an open and self-critical manner. An essay by Zafer Senocak
Interview with Aatish Taseer

A Personal Quest for an Understanding of Modern Islam

Aatish Taseer is a British writer and journalist of British-Indian origin. In this interview with Richard Marcus, he talks about Islamic identity, the ailments of the Islamic world, and his most recent book, the highly acclaimed 'Stranger to History: A Son's Journey through Islamic Lands'
Mohammed Abed al-Jabri

Pioneering Figure in a New Arab Enlightenment

The Moroccan philosopher Mohammed Abed Al-Jabri has died at the age of 76. His death robs the Arab world of one of its most influential critical voices in the debate over identity, history and politics. An obituary by Sonja Hegasy
Muhammad Iqbal

A Spiritual Bridge between East and West

To this day, activists of various political hues still draw on the thinking of Muhammad Iqbal, Pakistan's spiritual father and influential 20th-century philosopher, to such an extent that he also looks set to play a significant role in the future of the country. Stephan Popp introduces the man known as the "Scholar"
Germany's Islam Conference

State Islam Would Be Unconstitutional

The Muslims will have to organise if they want to ensure themselves of a place within the system of constitutional law on religion. In order to conduct negotiations on religious matters the neutral state requires someone to talk to. A commentary by canon lawyer Hans Michael Heinig
Tamim Ansary: "Destiny Disrupted"

World History from an Islamic Perspective

Afghan-born Tamim Ansary has written a history of the world that takes Islam as its central focus. Events are related from a Muslim point of view, beginning with the life of the Prophet through to September 11th, 2001. Review by Klaus Heymach
Interview with Nadeem Aslam

"Within Three or Four Years the Texture of Pakistani Life Changed"

In this interview with Claudia Kramatschek, Nadeem Aslam talks about his native Pakistan, the military rule of Zia ul-Haque, and his most recent novel, about Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion
Interview with Olivier Roy

"Full Equality before the Law for All Religions"

French political scientist Olivier Roy is one of the foremost European experts on Islam. His new book, "Holy Ignorance. When Religion and Culture Diverge", will soon be published in English. Eren Güvercin spoke with Roy about the current Islam debate in Europe