Society

Women's rights in Iran

Farewell compulsory veiling? Time to go with the flow

After the Iranian Revolution in 1979, the Islamic regime began to force women to adopt Islamic dress. Resistance to the rule has never ceased, though it has changed. And suddenly compulsory veiling in the theocracy no longer seems to be on solid ground. An abridged version of the original article by Nasrin Bassiri
By Nasrin Bassiri
Islam in India

Triple talaq: Goodbye and good riddance

India′s Supreme Court recently declared the Islamic practice of "instant divorce" to be anti-constitutional. The judges argued that since ″triple talaq″ is not an integral part of the Muslim faith, it is not subject to protection under the principle of religious freedom. Ronald Meinardus reports from New Delhi
By Ronald Meinardus
Gaza and the West Bank

Press freedom in Palestine: Condemned to self-censor

In the Palestinian Autonomous Territories, Palestinian journalists are being used as bargaining chips in the power struggle between Hamas and Fatah. The scope for free and independent reporting is becoming noticeably smaller. By Inge Gunther
By Inge Günther
Interview with migration researcher Aladin El-Mafaalani

Integrating refugee children: Don't make them wait

Many schools in Germany still struggle with the task of integrating refugee children, although the majority are highly motivated. In interview with Nicole Sagener, migration researcher Aladin El-Mafaalani explains why this is – and what could be improved
By Nicole Sagener
Europe and its Muslims

Islamic theology in Germany: Spanning the divide

Five German universities have been offering degrees in Islamic theology since 2010. How successful are these courses and how much influence do the universities have? Arnfrid Schenk takes stock
By Arnfrid Schenk
Islamic education in India

All-female madrassas: Of women, by women and for women

A new breed of women-only Islamic seminaries in India are making the rarefied area of higher studies in Islamic theology accessible to girls, while introducing an eclectic blend of traditional religious studies and modern secular education. By Muhammed Nafih Wafy
By Muhammed Nafih Wafy
Europe and the USA

When anti-Semitism and Islamophobia join hands: The racist vortex

The campaign against George Soros is fuelling a dangerous symbiosis between anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, argues political scientist Farid Hafez
By Farid Hafez
Hindu Kush

Reconstruction in Afghanistan: The strong women of Darul Aman

Kabul's Darul Aman Palace was originally built to house Afghanistan's parliament. After four decades of war, it had become an ever-present reminder of violence and destruction. Now a team of architects and engineers, many of them women, are rebuilding the ruins. By Sandra Petersmann
By Sandra Petersmann
The refugee debate

How do we want to live?

The idea that refugees are either victims or invaders is having a major impact on public debate within Germany. In interview with Sarah Kanning, social scientist Heidrun Friese provides insights into her latest research
By Sarah Kanning
Environmental protection in Islam

Patterning nature

What indicators of environmental protection and species conservation can be found in Islamic theology, the Koran and other Islamic lore? Answers from Muna Tatari, professor at the Seminar for Islamic Theology at the University of Paderborn
By Ulrike Hummel
Interfaith dialogue in Albania

Loving their neighbours

Three houses of worship stand in close proximity – a mosque, a Catholic church and an Orthodox church: Elbasan's old town is a veritable symbol of religious tolerance in Albania. Extremists do not appreciate this image. By Lindita Arapi
By Lindita Arapi
Iran′s ″Holy Defence″

Dulce et decorum est...

Iran has many museums dedicated to its rich history. Nevertheless, those places that focus on events during which Iranians and other prominent 'Defenders of Islam' lost their lives, enjoy special status. By Philipp Breu
By Philipp Breu