The Berliner Institut für Islamische Theologie (Berlin Institute for Islamic Theology) at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU) will begin operations in the winter semester 2019/20. An important milestone for this is the establishment of an advisory board. The board members have now been named and will soon commence their work for this nationally preeminent project: As the first Islamic institute at a German university, the BIT will offer comparative Sunni and Shia theology.

In accordance with the Cooperation Agreement between Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, the relevant associations and the Senate Chancellery – Higher Education and Research, the Advisory Board of the Institute for Islamic Theology is composed as follows:

• One theologically qualified representative from the Islamische Föderation in Berlin e.V., the Islamische Gemeinschaft der schiitischen Gemeinden Deutschlands e.V. and the Zentralrat der Muslime in Deutschland e.V. respectively.
• Two persons of Islamic faith who fulfil the conditions of employment for a university instructor in Islamic theology or a related field.

In accordance with this agreement, the following persons have been appointed to the advisory board:

• Lydia Nofal, Zentralrat der Muslime in Deutschland e.V.
• Dr. Mohammad Djavad Mohagheghi, Islamische Gemeinschaft der schiitischen Gemeinden Deutschlands e.V.
• Mustafa Özdemir, Islamische Föderation in Berlin e.V.
• Professor Dr. Jamal Malik, University of Erfurt
• Professor Dr. Schirin Amir-Moazami, Freie Universität Berlin

Furthermore in accordance with the Cooperation Agreement, two representatives of the Humboldt-Universität have been appointed to the advisory board – with right of petition and an advisory voice:

• Professor Dr. Eva Inés Obergfell, Vice President for Academic Affairs at the HU
• Professor Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. Wolfgang Huber, Honorary Professor at the HU, former Bishop of Berlin

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and the Senate Chancellery – Higher Education and Research of Berlin would like to thank the members for agreeing to join the advisory board.

The inaugural meeting of the advisory board is planned for the beginning of the summer semester.

Background

The establishment of the Berlin Institute for Islamic Theology (BIT) expands the range of scientific disciplines at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU). In association with other locations in Germany, the institute will promote the development of this relatively new, faith-oriented field and, as a research-intensive academic discipline with international appeal, should enrich Berlin’s academic landscape.

The BIT emphasizes a theology of diversity and will in particular give due consideration to Sunni and Shia teachings in comparison. The institute pursues its scholarly objectives in close cooperation with Christian theologians as well as other religion-related courses of study at the HU and in the Berlin research landscape as a whole. In light of Berlin’s approximately 300,000 Muslim residents, an equally important task of the BIT is the training of young theologians, who, on the basis of rational penetration into Islamic articles of faith, prepare for teaching in schools, as well as for work in mosques, civil society and welfare services. The Islamic profession of faith is not a requirement for students of the BIT.

Further information

Website of the Berlin Institute of Islamic Theology

Press contacts

Hans-Christoph Keller
Press Spokesperson, Head of Communication and Media
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Phone: 030 2093-2677
hans-christoph.keller@hu-berlin.de

Matthias Kuder
Press Spokesperson for Higher Education and Research
The Governing Mayor of Berlin
Senate Chancellery – Higher Education and Research

Phone: 030 9026-5010
matthias.kuder@wissenschaft.berlin.de