The University of Münster in Germany will open a Faculty of Islamic Theology in July, which will become the first faculty of its kind in Europe, reports LETA citing DPA.
Dean Muhanad Korhide emphasized that this step is very important for the Muslim community. "This is a sign of recognition for Muslims, as dialogue is now taking place with them in an academic context," noted the sociologist.
Since 2011, the University of Münster has had a Center for Islamic Theology under the Faculty of Philology, which trains religion teachers.
The new faculty will be able to independently award doctoral degrees and form its own examination boards.
Funding from the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia is secured for eight professorships, including in the fields of Islamic history, ethics, and philosophy.
The Faculty of Islamic Theology is planned to open on July 1, and full academic activities will begin in the winter semester of 2026/2027, when all committees will be formed.
