An open day for mosques in Germany seeks to introduce Islam policy

Al -Jazeera Net Correspondents

Berlin- On October 3 of each year, Germany celebrates the anniversary of unity, and on this day mosques open their doors to visitors in what is known as “the day of the open mosque”, with the aim of introducing non -Muslims to Islam closely, and extending bridges of communication and dialogue between the people of German society.

Islamic societies supervising mosques in various German cities are keen to organize various activities that include introductory tours, discussion episodes, cultural exhibitions, and social activities, all of which aim to provide a realistic image of the Islamic religion and the status of mosques in society.

The day of the open mosque was held this year under the slogan “Religion and Ethics”, which is the No. 29 event since the start of the initiative in 1997, which came to introduce Islam and fill the gap between religions and enhance societal understanding.

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An opportunity and exploration

“Many come to mosques out of curiosity and the love of exploring religion that is frequently circulated in the media. Citizens see mosques from abroad without knowing what is going on behind their doors, and some are looking for answers to existential questions and trying to know the opinion of Islam on life issues.”

While Ahmedoglu, Vice President of the Turkish “Shihitlk Mosque” association in Berlin, believes that “this day is an opportunity for the Muslim community to meet their German and non -Muslim neighbors, and also an opportunity for Germans who wonder if they can enter the mosque and learn about what is going on inside.”

He says that the interest in Islam and mosques has increased after the Korona pandemic, as many searched for spirituality and the meanings of life, noting that the number of visitors has risen in recent years to reach about 4 thousand people on this day.

Stereotype

Some visitors come to mosques, loaded with pre -ideas about Islam and Muslims. Recent studies indicate that hostility to Muslims in Germany has increased significantly in recent years, and this shows especially towards those who clearly show their religious affiliation, such as veiled women.

Ibrahim – one of the visitors – holds the media and politicians part of the responsibility for the consolidation of this image, as he says, “The media focuses on the negative aspects and highlights the extremist groups as if they represent all Muslims, and this does not reflect the real reality.”

For his part, Ahmedoglu explains that “90% of the questions posed by non -Muslim visitors are not related to religion in itself, but rather to social and cultural customs,” adding, “Our mission is to remove prior rulings. Politics separates, while religion collects and strengthens ties.”

The social counselor Zeilke asserts that the curiosity led her to the mosque for the first time, and she says, “I have lived in the neighborhood for years, and I decided to visit the mosque on this day. I think that such activities change the stereotype, and show that the Muslim community is not closed as it is believed, but open and interacting with society.”

Dating and events

The “Open Day” event is a common tradition in Germany, where official institutions and companies are organized similar to introducing their work and projects. The Muslim community adopted the idea to introduce society to the Islamic religion from a realistic and human perspective.

Sheikh Taha believes that “the day of the open mosque” represents “a real opportunity to open up to the other,” adding, “Islam has become an essential part of life in Germany, and the Muslim community has become an active element that cannot be ignored. It is important to talk about our religion and culture, instead of leaving the field for those who describe themselves as experts.”

The activities of the open day varied between exhibitions of photos, angles to display antiques and handicrafts, and pillars to provide folk food and drinks, in addition to dialogue sessions between Muslim and non -Muslim youth to exchange views on religion and daily life.

And the social counselor Zilke, who lives in Berlin, believes that these activities “contribute to building confidence and bridges between the groups of the local community, especially since many have never entered a mosque before.”

“The number of Germans entering Islam has increased noticeable over the past twenty years.
Statistics show that women are the majority of those involved in Islam in Germany. pic.twitter.com/vvodpsopxm

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As for the pediatrician Heidi, she says that “such activities leave a positive impact on society, and support coexistence, integration and understanding of the other. It is an opportunity to know the religion and the place that we have not visited before.”