Everything You Need to Know About Bündnis Malikitische Gemeinde Deutschland e. V. (BMG)
Who are they?
BMG is a federal alliance representing the Moroccan and Maliki minority within the Muslim community in Germany. It was founded in 2018 and represents around 120 associations and mosques nationwide, representing approximately 40,000 practitioners of a “moderate Maliki” tradition (bmg-bv.de).
Vision and approach
BMG draws on the Shafi‘i and Maliki schools within mainstream Sunni tradition, combining religious commitment with alignment to Germany’s constitutional values. It supports a balance between preserving religious identity and civic participation, and it rejects hardline Salafi currents.
Structure and organization
Headquarters: Düsseldorf, Friedrich-Ebert 15 (bmg-bv.de).
President: Omar Kuntich, leading a centrist approach that can be described as “moderately conservative” (bmg-bv.de).
The association strengthens its presence through national networks such as the German Islam Conference (DIK) and nationwide networks dedicated to countering extremism.
Activities and initiatives
The network has worked to expand mosques’ roles so they become centers for political education and social participation, not only places of prayer.
It participates via the Islamic education commission in NRW to develop internally recognized educational courses.
Through its welfare branch (“Wohlfahrtsstelle”), it launched the project Brücken bauen (Building Bridges), providing 2,500 volunteer opportunities to support refugees and local migration (for example: accompaniment in institutions, Ramadan iftars, cultural and social activities) (wohlfahrt-mg.de).
In October 2023, it took part in a meeting with the Federal Ministry of the Interior, addressing extremism and strengthening social cohesion.
Achievements and impact
German authorities recognized BMG as an independent local religious organization, increasing its legitimacy in domestic policy areas such as religious education (welt.de).
It was nominated as a representative of the Maliki tradition within the secretariat listings for the Islamic education commission in NRW.
It receives support from governmental bodies and civil-society actors as an example of a cultural bridge and a moderate religious balance.
Funding and partnerships
Funding includes member donations and projects supported by state-level programs (such as NRW, anti-extremism offices, and DIK).
Partnerships include refugee conferences and municipal networks, alongside cooperation with charitable institutions and local integration bodies.
Challenges and opportunities
It faces challenges from actors who view it as a competitor to Turkish associations or Muslim Brotherhood-linked groups, particularly in the area of religious education.
However, it sees an opportunity to consolidate its institutional role through a successful model of religious–civic balance, potentially opening a path toward broader official recognition as a public religious body.
Conclusion
Bündnis Malikitische Gemeinde Deutschland e. V. represents a modern model of moderate Muslim engagement that combines religious commitment with civic participation. It can be an important representative of the Moroccan Maliki minority in Germany and play a visible role in supporting coexistence and countering extremism.
ـ* The writers and editors of the website strive to provide accurate information through intensive research and consulting multiple sources; however, errors may occur or some information may remain unconfirmed. Please consider the information as an initial reference and always consult the relevant authorities for verified details.
