New field of research: Queer Islamic theology conquers the university!

New field of research: Queer Islamic theology conquers the university!

Queer Islamic theology is an emerging field of research that challenges traditional interpretations of Islamic thought on the body, gender and sexuality. Dr. Abdul Basit Zafar, Research Associate at the International Center for Comparative Theology and Social Issues (CTSI) at the University of Bonn, emphasizes the importance of this research for an inclusive theological discourse. With Awakening funding of 300,000 euros, it aims to combine the understanding of religion and human rights and to take greater account of the realities of queer Muslims' lives. Zafar calls for a scholarly framework for more inclusive interpretations of Islamic texts through comparative theology, textual analysis of classical sources, and insights from American queer theological discourse. The funding enables interdisciplinary collaboration, workshops and international exchange to further develop the research field. uni-bonn.de reports that this innovative research also highlights characteristic moments of departure in the theological landscape.

However, the social discussion about queer identities in Islam remains complex. A recent event at Frankfurt's Goethe University entitled "Queer in Islam" highlights the difficulties faced by queer Muslims. This conference, which took place under police protection, was chaired by Susanne Schröter, director of the Global Islam Research Center. In many Islamic countries, the topic is often viewed as taboo, especially by orthodox and fundamentalist movements. Peaceful approaches to research on gender and sexuality in Islam take place primarily at Western universities. Professor Mouhanad Khorchide, a leading representative of liberal Islamic theology in Germany, argues that the Koran does not explicitly prohibit homosexuality. Nevertheless, it is a challenge to establish progressive positions as resistance comes from various quarters. The report from deutschlandfunk.de illustrates that research on queer topics in Germany is still in its early stages and often receives hostility.

Activities in the Muslim community

In Berlin, Tugay Sarac, a gay Muslim, takes care of queer people in the Ibn Rushd Goethe Mosque. He reports on the rejection of homosexuality and transgender within the Muslim community; Nevertheless, the need for support and acceptance is growing. The event was ultimately peaceful and received positive feedback, particularly for the contributions of Ali Gandour, a theologian at the University of Münster. The variety of views on homosexuality becomes clear, which are shaped by different eras, regions and individual experiences.

The discussion not only applies to religious life, but also extends to the academic world. Mira Sievers, professor at the Institute for Islamic Theology at Humboldt University Berlin, is a notable voice in this context. Sievers lives openly with her own trans identity and emphasizes the importance of reflecting on the tradition and history of Islam. A variety of topics such as sex before marriage, polyamory and same-sex sex are included in her courses. In her view, patience and theological understanding are necessary to build a bridge and create a space for the Muslim community. queer.de emphasizes that the average age of scientists at the institute is under 40 and that there is a spirit of optimism that indicates positive development of the institute.