The University of Münster has become the initial public institution in Europe to create a department dedicated to Islamic theological studies, drawing global interest.
Work on the new "Campus of Religions" in the western German city of Münster has been ongoing since 2021. A significant portion of the area remains under development. Set to open in 2027, this facility will house the departments of Catholic, Protestant, and Islamic Theology along with the Religious Studies division within one building.
The academic community celebrates a significant achievement: for the very first time in Germany—and throughout all of Europe—a state-funded university houses a separate School of Islamic Theology.
"It’s an honor for me to be involved in a special period of history," scholar Mouhanad Khorchide shared with Ants. Reflecting on 15 years of efforts at the University of Münster, he mentioned that this accomplishment brings him immense appreciation. However, the 54-year-old also highlighted the duty associated with such recognition.
"Our aim is to fully utilize this distinctive chance and promote a flexible, progressive interpretation of Islam," said Khorchide, adding that the department's efforts will influence not just Europe but also the broader Islamic community.
A new chapter
Starting July 1, a fresh phase commences for Khorchide. For now, though, he will keep operating out of the interim university facilities close to Münster's Paulus Cathedral. Up until this point, the sociologist and religious instructor headed the Center for Islamic Theology (ZIT) at the University of Münster. He is currently serving as the inaugural dean—the first head of the recently created Faculty of Islamic Theology.
Promoting Islamic Theology to full faculty membership elevates its position inside the university and marks an important development in academic policies. Previously, the ZIT did not have independent faculty status and thus relied on another department for key academic activities.
A rise in Islamic religious instruction
Being an autonomous department, Islamic Theology is now able to award doctoral degrees and postdoctoral qualifications independently, aiding in developing a fresh wave of academics and building a long-term scholarly tradition. This updated position is anticipated to simplify obtaining external research financing.
Khorchide remembers the initial phase of the ZIT in 2012, which started with only 15 students and three employees. Now, the center has eight faculty members and over 50 staff personnel, with Khorchide anticipating that the number of students will surpass 500 in the near future.
He anticipates significant interest. Throughout Germany, The teaching of Islamic religion is now being incorporated into public school curricula. , leading to an increasing demand for skilled educators.
For instance, in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's largest state which includes Münster, as many as 3,000 teachers are needed, yet approximately 330 are currently employed. This presents a straightforward professional opportunity for graduates.
Islam and Social Work
Beginning in 2027, Khorchide intends to introduce a master’s degree called "Islam and Social Work." He mentions that there is significant interest in this area, especially within sectors like youth support, hospital religious counseling, and senior care.
The faculty outlines its core values by stating that belief and democratic ideals can coexist, encourages an academic and modern interpretation of the Quran, and highlights the importance of communication between different religions. Additionally, it clearly denounces radicalism, anti-Semitism, and Islamic fundamentalism. The statement reads: "We stand against all types of violence driven by religion and intellectual exploitation."
Connections with Asia and Africa
Khorchide mentions that he has been profoundly struck by the extent of attention sparked after the announcement of the new faculty was made public. News organizations located as distant as Africa and Asia have covered this advancement. He particularly highlights Indonesia, which houses the world's biggest Muslim community.
"Individuals desire a more open interpretation of Islam," states Khorchide. He thinks that over time, Münster may contribute to the larger discussion about the evolving direction of Islam, extending well beyond Germany.
Traditionally, Münster has had a strong presence in theology," said Norbert Robers, the university's representative, during an interview with Ants. For the first time ever, the two Christian theological departments and the Department of Islamic Theology will now be housed together, utilizing shared facilities such as a library and a dining area. "This holds significant symbolic value.
The first Department of Islamic Theology in Europe at a state-funded university
An academic department dedicated to Islamic theology has been present in Sarajevo for a long time, yet it does not belong to a state-run university system. Therefore, Münster now hosts the initial Faculty of Islamic Theology within a public university in Europe.
Robers, t The university representative states that the promotion to faculty status might seem like a "simple administrative action," yet it holds considerable legal and organizational importance. A symbolic inauguration is planned for September 24 in the university’s central hall.
Annette Schavan, a member of the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), was Germany's federal minister of education between 2005 and 2013. She was instrumental in introducing Islamic theology programs at German universities and refers to this recent development as a "major milestone." Writing from Cologne-based Catholic sources Domradio In her portal during mid-June, she stated that the establishment of the Faculty of Islamic Theology marked "an enhancement of academic theology overall" and anticipated that the new department would gain recognition throughout Europe.
This article has been translated from German.
Author: Christoph Strack
