Muslim institutions in Europe harbour growing expert knowledge. One example of this development comprises the syllabi for religious instruction of Muslim children at public schools that have been... Show moreMuslim institutions in Europe harbour growing expert knowledge. One example of this development comprises the syllabi for religious instruction of Muslim children at public schools that have been developed in different European contexts. Among other things, these instruction programmes aim at positioning their clientele vis-á-vis the religious sources, in a particular community and society. The premises on which these positionings are based, as well as their religious-theological justification and legitimation, form the focus of a thesis project that incorporates syllabus outlines and instruction materials from Germany, Austria and the Netherlands. Show less
Germany is becoming a multi-faith society at a rapid pace. The influx of foreign workers and a liberal policy towards fugitives and asylum-seekers made Islam the third religious force of the... Show moreGermany is becoming a multi-faith society at a rapid pace. The influx of foreign workers and a liberal policy towards fugitives and asylum-seekers made Islam the third religious force of the country. As immigrants become citizens, the Muslim faith is slowly being institutionalized. In public discourse arguments flare up, exposing a deeply felt contrariety between the Christian and Muslim faiths. On the part of the German general public, Muslim claims to particularity (places for prayer in schools, separation for biology instruction) meet with resistance, as Muslim activity is suspected of serving political, not religious aims. Questions are being publicly raised as to whether Muslim communities should be forced to adopt cultural ideals such as gender equality. The educational system offers a stage on which this battle over difference is acted out. Show less
Similar to the overall situation in Western Europe, the Muslim youth of Turkish background in Germany are quite different to the generation of their parents. Far from homogeneity, being a Muslim is... Show moreSimilar to the overall situation in Western Europe, the Muslim youth of Turkish background in Germany are quite different to the generation of their parents. Far from homogeneity, being a Muslim is nowadays made up of differentiation, cultural complexity, and mobility at an individual level even if communal features remain relevant. The following aims at briefly reviewing these trends while underlining the opportunities provided by the German context. Show less
