Society

Muslim talaq law in India

Divorce by email

India's Supreme Court is currently considering the Muslim practice of instant divorce. The family law allows Muslim men to end their marriages by simply repeating the word "talaq" (Arabic for divorce) three times. But there is growing opposition to the practice. Ronald Meinardus reports from New Delhi
By Ronald Meinardus
Combatting Salafist radicalisation in Germany

Under scrutiny

Media representatives and academics would do well not to pre-judge the German security services′ Salafism prevention initiatives. Hazim Fouad, Islamic studies expert for the Senator for Home Affairs in Bremen, submits his response to the arguments proposed by Salafism researcher Nina Kasehage
By Hazim Fouad
Women in Pakistan

Challenging the patriarchy

In rural Pakistan justice is administered on an ad-hoc basis. Men make the decisions and women can sometimes face brutal treatment. Now a group of them are fighting back. Report from the Swat Valley by Naila Inayat and Jennifer Collins
By Naila Inayat, Jennifer Collins
Islam, Judaism, Christianity and Donald Trump

So much cotton candy

This week U.S. President Donald Trump conducted a whistle-stop tour of three world religions, visiting Saudi Arabia, Israel and the Vatican within six days. Despite being spared any major diplomatic gaffs, the rest of the world has little reason to rejoice. Commentary by Alexander Görlach
By Alexander Görlach
″Peace responsibility of religions″ conference

Religion′s potential for peace

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel recently invited around a hundred representatives of religious communities in North and West Africa, the Middle East and Europe to attend a confrence in Berlin. In future the Foreign Office is aiming to co-operate more closely with religious communities. By Christoph Strack
By Christoph Strack
Afghan asylum seekers in Germany

Facing the cold shoulder

For dozens of Afghan asylum seekers in Germany, an interview with German officials is a decisive moment that shapes their future. Despite serious security concerns, many asylum applications by Afghans are rejected. By Zivile Raskauskaite
By Zivilé Raskauskaite
Women′s rights in the Arab world

No house room for criminals

Many Arab countries have laws that grant offenders immunity from prosecution if they marry the woman they have raped. While Jordan has taken the first steps to change this controversial legal situation, Lebanon looks likely to follow suit. By Dunja Ramadan
By Dunja Ramadan
Emancipation in Afghanistan

Breaking down cyber barriers

By teaching girls programming and computer literacy, two sisters in Afghanistan have triggered something of a digital revolution. Report by Jennifer Collins and Storay Karimi
By Jennifer Collins, Storay Karimi
Morocco′s Amazigh

The long road to recognition

Morocco′s Amazigh captured a historic achievement in 2011 when constitutional measures following the country′s February 20th protests officially recognised the Amazigh culture and language. But six years on, many Amazigh are dissatisfied with the reform process and continue to complain of discrimination. By Matthew Greene
By Matthew Greene
Austria′s president and the Islamophobia debate

The courage of one man

By criticising the fear of Islam that is rife in Austria, the country's new president, Alexander Van der Bellen, is sending out an important signal of opposition to both the racism that has become socially acceptable once again in Europe and the stigmatisation of Muslims. By Farid Hafez
By Farid Hafez
Interview with Imam Benjamin Idriz

Questioning tradition

Muslims are not only permitted to ask critical questions of their theology; it is actually necessary – the opinions of scholars distort the view of the Koran, says Benjamin Idriz, imam of the mosque in Penzberg, Upper Bavaria, in conversation with Claudia Mende
By Claudia Mende
Pope Francis’ visit to Al-Azhar

Who holds sway over religious identity?

The Muslim world is in upheaval: who will have the authority to interpret the teachings of Islam in future? Cairo′s Al-Azhar University regards itself as fit for the job. But the times are changing and the master may yet become the student. Indeed the pope′s visit was literally something of a god-send. By Alexander Goerlach
By Alexander Görlach