A recent study by the University of Münster examined whether Islamic religious education in German schools could help counter social and political polarization.
Findings showed that students who attended these classes for longer periods were less likely to express antisemitic or misogynistic attitudes. In North Rhine-Westphalia, where the program has been in place for 14 years, it is seen as an important step toward integration.
The state’s education minister emphasized that such lessons provide guidance and protection for young people against extremist content circulating on social media. Critics, however, argue that institutional representation of the Muslim community remains limited and that conservative associations may influence the curriculum.
Currently, Islamic religious education reaches only about 6% of Germany’s more than 500,000 Muslim students, fueling debate over whether it should be expanded.
Sources – Agencies
