Society

Perspectives on Sharia

On the Plurality of Islamic Law

There are very few comprehensive studies of Sharia around. German lawyer and Islamic Studies expert Mathias Rohe has just written one where, among other things, he argues that the historical and global perspective has always produced a multiplicity of interpretations. Martina Sabra has been reading it
Interview with Bülent Ucar

"Fear of an Imposed State-approved Version of Islam"

According to Bülent Ucar, chair of Islamic Religious Education Studies at the University of Osnabrück, the religiously neutral state should not become embroiled in specific questions of Islamic theology. But he does expect the Muslim organisations to undergo major restructuring. Elbeyi Güvercin talked to Bülent Ucar
Muslims and the West

Desperately Seeking Occidentalists

If relations between the West and the Muslim world are to be improved, writes Maulana Waris Mazhari, Muslims must make a serious attempt not only to study both the positive and the negative aspects of Western thought, civilisation and history, but also to learn from them
Afghanistan's Shiites

Confident Reformers

Afghanistan's new draft marriage law unleashed a wave of international protest, but the impression that the country's Shiites have become radical Islamists is deceptive, leading to false conclusions. Martin Gerner reports from Kabul
Young Muslim Lifestyle

Urban Fashion for Young Muslims

A young fashion label is trying to bridge the gap between modern lifestyle and the earnest practice of faith. Styleislam's products already enjoy cult status among young Muslims in Germany, as Heiner Kiesel reports
Mosque Conflict in Franconia

Home Advantage for Mosque Opponents

A conflict over plans to build a new mosque in the German town of Wertheim extended over 20 years. The documentary film Heimvorteil (Home Advantage) portrays the main participants in this dispute and shows how blocking the construction of a mosque turned back the clock on integration. By Klaus Heymach
Book Review: A History of Arabs and Europe

Between Conflict and Co-operation

In his latest book, Die Araber und Europa (The Arabs and Europe), orientalist Alfred Schlicht examines the shared history of Arabs and Europeans. It's a journey that takes him through the often productive, but also ambivalent labyrinth of Arab-European relations. Sebastian Sons read the book
"Beit Hawa" Women's Refuge in Egypt

Shelter from Domestic Violence

Many women who seek refuge in "Beit Hawa" are traumatised and need professional help, but the autonomous project is under constant threat of closure due to funding shortages. Jürgen Stryjak visited the women's refuge near Cairo
"Manual for the Clash of Civilisations"

Islam Challenges Our Ability to Make Distinctions

In his new book, Islam expert Stefan Weidner shows how highly charged with ideology the debate about Islam and so-called "Western values" really is. Kersten Knipp read the book
Janadriyah Cultural Festival in Saudi Arabia

Diabolical Temptations

A festival in the north of Riad has been celebrating Saudi Arabia's culture since 1985. Now, after 25 years, the festival organisers have finally decided against gender segregation. Hanna Labonté reports on a festival between two worlds
Portrait of the Philosopher Mohammed Abed al-Jabri

Critique of Arab Reason

Mohammed Abed al-Jabri is without a doubt one of the most important contemporary Arab intellectuals. His work focuses on the failure of the Enlightenment in the Islamic world and the search for an Arab identity in modernity. Sonja Hegasy introduces the Moroccan philosopher
Iraqi Refugees in Germany

A New Life in Safety

As part of its contribution to the United Nations' resettlement programme for Iraqi refugees, Germany will take in a total of 2,500 refugees in the coming months. In this regard, the Federal Republic is spearheading the EU's role in the programme. Martina Sabra reports