The Academization of Islam in Germany—Structural Integration and Competitive Struggles Over Interpretive Authority in the Religious Field

Abstract

Since the beginning of labor migration from Islamic countries, integration policy in Germany has pursued a paradoxical program. On the one hand, migrants were supposed to return to their home countries after a temporary stay without incurring social follow-up costs. On the other hand, it was assumed that the integration of Muslim migrants willing to stay will take place automatically, without targeted concepts. Both strategies have failed. Another peculiarity of this integration policy was that the importance of religion for the integration process was completely ignored. Due to global and national developments, a so-called delayed integration policy began in Germany in the 2000s. Muslims should participate equally in all dimensions (economic, cultural, social, educational). This also includes the policy goal of creating a German-Muslim scientific community to promote an enlightened theology in the European context. Against this background, the academization of Islam has been promoted by the state at a rapid pace, making Germany a pioneer compared to other Western societies with a Muslim minority. This paper will discuss the origins, development, and challenges of the structural integration of Islam. The impact of this academization on the dynamics in the Islamic religious field will also be considered.