(AhlulBayt News Agency) - Frankfurt's Goethe University has introduced a three-year bachelor's degree in Islamic studies, the first such course in Germany. The program places Islamic theology on the same footing as Christian and Jewish theology at German universities. The aim is to provide students with an academic and scientific approach to the topic.
It’s part of an initiative begun last year to promote the study of Islam and training of imams at German universities. Unlike the other institutions involved, Frankfurt hasn’t received any extra federal funding for the program.
In a sign of growing interest in Islam, over a 100 students have already signed up for the first semester in Frankfurt. Germany is home to an estimated four million Muslims.
For many Muslim students, the course is an opportunity to deepen their understanding of their own religion and culture in a rational and scientific manner.
"Normally, we get to hear about everything in our own native language - in mosques or in Koran schools. Now we're finally learning about it all on a scientific level and in German," said Urbe Tschi, a 21-year-old student on the program.
Tschi is familiar with both German and Turkish cultures. He was born in Germany and grew up speaking German, but his parents are from Turkey.
"The program will let us eventually pass on what we've learned to the next generation or to others in society, so that people have better insight into what's actually important to us," Tschi added.
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