Understanding Islam
The German Ministry for Foreign Affairs has opened a new section to promote inter-cultural dialogue. Gabriela Linda Guellil, deputy head of the Dialogue with the Islamic World, spoke to Mohamed Habib in Berlin
Gabriela Linda Guellil
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Many European countries, in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US, have finally realised that there is a real need for a clearer understanding of the Islamic world. Germany, for its part, has emphasised that the current "war on terror" is not a war on Islam. With this in mind, the German Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs has formed a new section, the Dialogue with the Islamic World, whose task is to "enhance a peaceful resolution of differences and mutual respect", Deputy Head of Section Gabriela Linda Guellil told Al-Ahram Weekly.
"German foreign policy with regard to the Arab and Islamic world has not changed, and so this section was established to initiate dialogue and promote better [cultural] awareness. Understanding cultures and religion is an essential element of foreign policy."
In practical terms, dialogue is initiated primarily by the Arabic- speaking staff of German embassies throughout the Arab world. "Through interaction and dialogue we hope to bridge the gap between [cultures] and clear up any misunderstandings," Guellil said. "We need to understand the Muslim culture. The new ambassador in Egypt speaks Arabic; he was previously posted in Ramallah."
German diplomats have been posted to Egypt and Saudi Arabia to initiate dialogue. "We start from the premise that there is no war against Islam, and that Islam is not synonymous with terrorism," explained Guellil. "Some European countries consider certain Islamic rituals, such as the wearing of the hijab, for example, a violation of human rights. It would be better for the matter to be regarded as a question of personal freedom," she continued. "Tolerance must prevail. Respecting other religions is essential."
Some Muslim countries, like Saudi Arabia, enforce Islamic Shari'a law without making the effort to explain that this law does not necessarily constitute a violation of human rights. There is much confusion and misunderstanding in Europe and the US about the practical application of Shari'a law.
"We want the Islamic world to understand the point of view of the German government," explained Guellil. "There are about three million Muslims in Germany, but some of the Islamic rituals and practices are not tolerated. At the moment there is a debate about whether or not female Muslim teachers should be allowed to wear the hijab in school," she continued. A woman of Afghani origins recently took a case to court because she was not allowed to wear the hijab in school. "The wearing of the hijab is considered a political matter," said Guellil. The woman lost her case and appealed to the supreme court. According to Guellil, the supreme court is expected to deliver a ruling at the end of this month. "The case may even reach constitutional court level," said Guellil.
"I personally do not see the hijab as a problem. It is a matter of personal choice, and asking Muslim women not to wear the hijab is a mark of disrespect towards the Muslim religion," Guellil told the Weekly, "and the German people should be aware of this."
The slaughter of animals according to Shari'a law is another controversial matter. "Some Germans believe this [method of slaughter] is in contravention of the animal protection law," said Guellil.
Private individuals, however, are not allowed to slaughter animals themselves, and butchers are required to use machines for slaughtering, which in itself is a violation of Islamic Shari'a law.
Several Muslims, therefore, took their cases before German courts, and lost. "The judges do not have a thorough understanding of Islam," commented Guellil, "which is why this new department was established -- to promote a better understanding of Islam."
