European Islam
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Refoming Islam: Muslim and liberal
In our modern world, what constitutes contemporary Islam?
Liberal Islam: everything revolves around the Koran. In the search for a liberal interpretation, peculiar constructs occasionally emerge. By Alexander Flores
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Muslim marriage, Muslim divorce – and the wider family
"Problems are often dealt with collectively"
Ayse Gerner is a Muslim woman and a marriage counsellor. It is a combination appreciated by her clients, most of whom are Muslim. Although Muslim couples face the same relationship challenges as everyone else, they also have to overcome very specific obstacles. By Said Rezek
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"An Imaginary Racism: Islamophobia and Guilt"
Deeply ignorant – Pascal Bruckner's hateful verbal crusade
In his controversial book published in 2020, French author Pascal Bruckner describes anti-Muslim sentiment as a fiction, claiming that the term "Islamophobia" is being used to silence criticism of the religion. Alexandra Senfft responds by highlighting the contradictions in a popular view of Islam and Muslims that leaves little room for nuance
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Best of Qantara.de 2020
2020 in review: Qantara's 'Top Ten'
Last year was one of a kind. 2020 saw the rapid spread of the coronavirus pandemic, putting a stop to the hajj. Though peace in the Middle East remains a pipedream, there was something of a diplomatic thaw. At the same time, human rights across the region remain under attack. Here are Qantara.de's ten most read articles of 2020
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Religious freedom in Europe
ECJ ruling on kosher and halal slaughter ban disastrous
The European Union's top court has deemed kosher and halal slaughter incompatible with animal welfare. This is a grim day for religious freedom in Europe, writes Christoph Strack
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France's anti-separatism bill may increase discrimination
Muslims are not the problem, they are part of the solution
Critics of France's draft law to combat "radical Islamism" say the proposed measures are inefficient and will further stigmatise Muslims. They assert that involving Muslims in the process of addressing radicalisation is essential. Lisa Louis reports
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Emmanuel Macron's anti-separatism bill
Imam Muhammed Abu Zaid calls on French Muslims to engage
Prominent Islamic scholar Muhammed Abu Zaid has urged Muslims in France to cooperate with the government. At the same time, he emphasised the need for the French authorities to foster dialogue with the country's Muslim community. By Jennifer Holleis
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France's "anti-separatism" drive
Emmanuel Macron's plan to protect French values alienates Muslims
Upcoming legislation crafted to "protect" the Republic and French values promises to be deeply divisive, with French Muslims fearing it will unfairly single them out. Some also see political calculus behind the effort. Elizabeth Bryant reports from Paris
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Ruud Koopman's "Das verfallene Haus des Islam"
Cherry-picking for a distorted image of Islam
Why are predominantly Muslim countries lagging behind when it comes to democracy and human rights? Dutch sociologist Ruud Koopmans uses a lot of figures to underpin his theory that it is all down to religion. According to Daniel Bax, however, his approach is rather too simplistic
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Islam in Germany
Countering the Islamisation hysteria
Cliches, prejudices and half-truths shape the public image of Islam today. Published in German, "Islam. Friend or foe? 38 theses against hysteria" penned by religious scholars Monika and Udo Tworuschka counters the increasingly hysterical debate with sound argument. Interview by Lucy James
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Interfaith dialogue
World Assembly of Religions comes to Lindau
This August nine hundred representatives from 17 religions will attend a major conference in Lindau on Lake Constance. The goals: foster dialogue and promote peace initiatives. By Christoph Strack
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Germanyʹs Islam debate
The need to meet Islam critics head on
At a recent Berlin event, researchers talked about how to achieve a more nuanced discussion on Islam and Muslims. Were academics more proactive about presenting their empirical findings in the public arena, Rene Wildangel argues, they could play a major role in countering populist disinformation