Over four million Muslims live in Germany. Many of them are well integrated. Religion is part of their cultural identity. They want to be an accepted part of this society without giving up their religion. But this is a silent majority. The louder ones are those who demonstratively disassociate themselves from “non-believers” and claim that in doing so they are following the laws of their religion. Necla Kelek challenges these Islamic traditionalists who turn faith into politics and at the same time stylise themselves as victims of Western society.
In a “brief introduction to the Koran”, she responds to these traditionalists with an enlightened interpretation of the holy book. She informs readers about the origins and background of Islam and points out that those who advocate the headscarf and five compulsory daily prayers cannot refer to the Koran. She explores model and backyard mosques, speaks to imams and female prayer leaders and argues with preachers such as Tariq Ramadan and Fethullah Gülen. In the column “Islam-German/German-Islam”, she discusses the fundamental differences between the definitions of terms such as modesty, respect and freedom. She covers the history of Islam in Germany and reveals some surprises, such as Charlemagne’s white elephant and Goethe’s criticism of the last prophet, who sacrificed his earthly intentions for all things spiritual.
Necla Kelek opposes the way Islam is made to appear harmless and proves that, despite regional differences, it is always a life concept, ideology and politics at the same time. Her mission is to liberate faith from patriarchal abuse and to rehabilitate it spiritually. And to finally address the problems that are so obviously associated with Muslims – the lack of equality for women and the lack of education for children.
