Society

Islam in Germany

Some Muslims do indeed celebrate Christmas

As a Muslim I like to go to Christmas markets, eat Stollen and as a child I even got presents. Surprised? That's not the half of it. By Said Rezek
By Said Rezek
Drug-related crime in Indonesia

Don Widodo's tilt with windmills

Anti-narcotics laws and their enforcement tend to be tough in Southeast Asia. In Indonesia, however, drug use is not in decline, despite attempts by President Widodo to crack down on durg dealers and cartels. By Edith Koesoemawiria
By Edith Koesoemawiria
Interview with Dina El Omari on feminism and Islam

"Muslim women need space for critical self-reflection"

Is there such a thing as a feminist Islam? If there is, it is hard to define. Instead, there are different interpretations and above all female Muslim theologians who do not use the term "feminism" to describe what they do, namely interpret the Koran in a gender-equal way. An interview with theologian Dina El Omari
By Canan Topçu
Parliament of the Worldʹs Religions

Good people of the world, unite!

In early November, Toronto hosted one of the most vibrant and exciting events ever held under the banner of religion: "The Parliament of the World’s Religions”. Stefan Weidner went to hear the debate
By Stefan Weidner
Social inequality in the Arab world

There is no state in Lebanon

Poverty is more than a lack of money, as the World Bank definition confirms. Moreover, it is harder to bear in countries where social inequality is more marked and individuals have less chance of social advancement. Mona Naggar recounts her observations from living in Beirut
By Mona Naggar
Bearing the brunt of the war

Yemeni families in dire straits

War, famine and poverty are devastating Yemen. Millions of people are in dire need of food and medical supplies. Among the worst-affected are young mothers and their children. Gouri Sharma and Mohamed Hussein report
By Gouri Sharma, Mohamed Hussein
Salafism in Germany

Iʹll wear a niqab if I want

Children's life choices are often difficult for parents to endure and even more difficult to understand. Especially when they embark on a path towards Islamism. An encounter with an affected mother. By Matthias von Hein and Esther Felden
By Matthias von Hein, Esther Felden
Burkhard Hofmann's "And God created fear"

A psychogram of the Arab soul

In "Und Gott schuf die Angst: Ein Psychogramm der arabischen Seele", psychologist Burkhard Hoffmann draws on his own caseload to present some of the uniquely Arab hang-ups plaguing individuals in the Gulf region, highlighting the urgent need of Islamic societies to recognise the value of psycho-anaylsis. Gunther Orth read the book
By Günther Orth
Moroccan school curricula

French, Arabic, Moroccan, Amazigh?

The debate about the status of Arabic in Moroccan schools continues unabated. With many of the existing colloquial dialects jockeying for recognition, Morocco faces a tough task when it comes to offering effective, balanced linguistic education for all. By Ali Anouzla
By Ali Anouzla
Transgender rights

Pakistan's Hijra hold their heads high

In March 2018 Pakistanʹs transgender community experienced an incredible turnaround, when legislators passed a new law protecting them. Pakistani author Mahwish Gul believes it is the first step towards ending marginalisation and deprivation
By Mahwish Gul
Salafism in Germany

Battling radicalisation on the streets

Saloua Mohammed's most important tool in the fight against radical Salafism is listening – to parents whose kids radicalise online, to young people who rave about Salafism and to women returning to Germany after fighting alongside IS. By Esther Felden
By Esther Felden
Interview with Pakistani human rights activist Jalila Haider

"Women need to fight with all their might"

A Shia Hazara from Pakistanʹs Baluchistan, human rights activist Jalila Haider has made the persecution of minorities her focus. In interview with Saima Hyder Zaidi, she also takes a stand against patriarchal mind-sets and the objectification of women
By Saima Hyder Zaidi