Abstract

The present article deals with the developments in Islamic theology in higher education in Europe with a focus on those in Germany. The main objectives of the study are to identify the developments regarding Islamic theology at European universities in recent years and to evaluate these developments in the context of the opportunities and problems. Since European states and nations, possessing Judeo-Christian-Western values, are in search of ways to enable Muslims to live in harmony with themselves due to the growing Muslim share of the population throughout Europe. This issue has great importance for the future of Islam and Muslims in Europe. One aspect of these pursuits concerns the establishment academic programmes on/over Islamic theology at European universities. The question of “Is it possible to develop an interpretation of Islam that will live in harmony with European values?” is an important issue that is being focused on across Europe, especially in Germany. The academic studies of Islamic theology, addressing this question, started in the 2000s and has gained momentum over the past decade. Creating an understanding of Islam to live in peace with Western European values and educating people who will provide Islamic religious education and religious services within this scope are the main goals of the initiatives for introducing the Islamic theology programmes at European universities. The subject is addressed by the autobiographical methods in the light of many years of experience and the literature survey.