Discrimination and radicalization: A dangerous interaction for Muslims!

Discrimination and radicalization: A dangerous interaction for Muslims!

The “Interactions” research project at FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg examines sermons in German mosques and their content. Under the direction of Dr. Jörn Thielmann, a renowned Islamic scholar, the study shows that the sermons primarily deal with positive topics that focus on religious and moral living. This contrasts with the common assumption that mosques are places for hate speech. Instead, the speeches address everyday aspects such as education, virtues and interpersonal relationships.

The research is based on an analysis of sermons published online by the large associations DITIB, IGMG and VIKZ, which together represent around 1,500 of the 2,300 mosques in Germany. Thielmann emphasizes that the sermons also address social and political issues such as integration, racism and discrimination. This indicates that the Islamic community actively engages critically with its living environment and wants to make a constructive contribution to society. This could often be neglected in public discussion. A central finding of the study is the negative attitude of Muslim associations towards extremism and violence as well as the call for law-abiding engagement in society.

Discrimination as a risk factor

An important accompanying phenomenon in the discussion about radicalization is discrimination. Studies show that experiences of discrimination can lead to low self-esteem and dissatisfaction in life. Muslims in Germany in particular report a high perception of discriminatory experiences that impact their social and political attitudes. These systemic discriminations not only promote mistrust of institutions, but also contribute to the questioning of democratic values.

To date, there has been a lack of well-founded data on the effects of systemic discrimination on Muslims in Germany. A recent experimental project attempts to explore the connection between discrimination and its emotional and political impact on this group. Muslims perceive political institutions as potential protectors, but doubt their willingness to support them.

Radicalization and identity finding

The experiences of discrimination are not only individual, but can also have collective effects. In the context of radicalization, discrimination and exclusion play a significant role, particularly in the development of defensive identities within minority communities. This is made clear, for example, by the example of Lina, an 18-year-old who is exposed to multiple discrimination because of her origins and her stuttering. From the age of eleven she wears a headscarf, which leads to further hostility.

Lina describes herself as an “other” in social contexts and has difficulty finding accepted work opportunities. Her search for identity and support leads her to increasingly engage with her religion. In her environment she finds community among Muslim women who give her support. This search for belonging shows that experiences of discrimination, while not directly leading to radicalization, can still have profound effects on the lives and attitudes of individuals. In Lina's case, such experiences coalesce into a larger narrative about identity and community.

The widespread anti-Islam and anti-Muslim attitudes in German society, which are documented in the study “Lost Center – Hostile Conditions”, indicate that one in five people surveyed projects negative characteristics onto Muslims. These circumstances create a climate in which radicalization appears to be a dangerous, although not inevitable, outcome.

In summary, the “Interactions” project and related research show how important it is to rethink the social discourse about Islam and Muslims in Germany. While radicalization and discrimination are strongly interrelated, constructive dialogue and support for recognized Muslim voices in society can help prevent extremism. FAU reports that it is time to focus on the positive aspects of the Muslim community and to proactively shape social discourse. Those interested can find further information about discrimination and its effects at RADIS and BPB.