Muslims in the West

Muslims in Germany

In search of a political voice

Trust in politics has plummeted among German Muslims, as seen in recent voter turnout. While some online preachers argue voting is haram, imams in Berlin are actively campaigning for political participation.
Book “111 Places in Berlin That Teach Us About Islam”

Searching for traces of Muslim life in Berlin

The historic Şehitlik cemetery in Kreuzberg, the queer-friendly Ibn Rushd-Goethe mosque in Moabit, the Muslim community's poetry slam i-Slam: Islam is part of Berlin's history, politics and everyday life.
Germany's multicultural society

Racism 'on the rise' 20 years after NSU bombing

On 9 June 2004, a nail bomb exploded in the heart of a bustling Turkish community in Cologne. German officials quickly rejected the notion that the attack was motivated by racism – and they accused the victims instead
The quagmire of historical responsibility

Germany's misguided fight against anti-Semitism

Assessing Israel more critically than other nations is considered anti-Semitic. Yet treating Israel more favourably is problematic too. Philo-Semitism – the unquestioning endorsement of anything Jewish – does not help in the fight against anti-Semitic prejudice
Islam in Germany

Muslims in the German military set to get their own chaplaincy

Soldiers of the Islamic faith in Germany's armed forces have long lacked the pastoral care available to their Christian and Jewish counterparts. What was once seen as politically impossible is about to change.
Ramadan: Muslim holy month in pictures

Muslims all over the world are celebrating the holy month of Ramadan with religious services, charity, fasting and evening festivities
Islam's holy month

Why more non-Muslims are taking part in Ramadan

Ramadan's observance is widespread in the Middle East, often involving non-Muslims in the region's celebrations. In Christian-majority countries, participation has been less common, but this trend is starting to shift
Cinema showcase in Morocco

Arab women filmmakers challenge Western preconceptions

Female filmmakers from across the Middle East are increasingly being recognised and celebrated. But the challenges they face are not always what you might expect
Esra Ozyurek on the German debate

"We must fight anti-Semitism and Islamophobia together"

Germany has long been a role model for the way it deals with Holocaust remembrance. But now this is being used to marginalise minorities, says Turkish ethnologist Esra Ozyurek
Lebanon

Khalil Gibran's hometown celebrates 'The Prophet' centennial

Nestled in the mountains of northern Lebanon, a museum dedicated to Khalil Gibran in his hometown of Bsharre has been celebrating the centennial of "The Prophet", the renowned author's most famous work
'Not in our name'

Jewish New Yorkers speak out against 'dehumanisation' of Palestinians

New York's two million-strong Jewish community has suffered anguish in the wake of the October 7 Hamas attacks. While many back the Israeli government's response and have rallied in support of Israel, others are unsettled by the Gaza military campaign and the huge price paid by Palestinian civilians
Muslims are already excluded from French political life: that’s the real 'abaya' issue

Abaya-wearing girls are seen not simply as students, but as envoys of global Islamism conspiring against the French nation, writes Kaoutar Harchi for The Guardian