Politics Europe's first Faculty of Islamic Theology in Germany
A Faculty of Islamic Theology will commence its work at the University of Münster in Germany on July 1. As Rector Johannes Wessels announced, this is the first institution of its kind in Europe.
22.04.2026, 17:51
SDA
Academic life will begin in the winter semester of 2026/2027 once all committees have been filled. According to founding dean Mouhanad Khorchide, the move is of great significance for the Muslim community. "This is a sign of recognition for Muslims, because there is now also a debate with them in an academic context," said Khorchide at a press conference.
Previously, Münster had the Center for Islamic Theology (ZIT), which was part of the Department of Philology. Religious teachers for schools were already being trained here. With the new establishment, Islamic theology now also has the opportunity to have its own right to award doctorates. The examination commissions can also be appointed independently.
According to Wessels, the funding of eight professorships, including for Islamic history, ethics and philosophy, has been secured by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The new faculty will be located on a new theology campus that is currently under construction. The Islamic scholars will then share a common library and a canteen with the representatives of the other religious scholars represented at the University of Münster, such as the Catholics and Protestants.
