Source: Qantara
The German state of North Rhine-Westphalia is introducing a schoolbook that introduces pupils to Islam. But is the teacher in it going to wear a headscarf or not, and is correct to use the Arabic term “Allah” for God? Ulrike Hummel reports
Students heading back to school on Thursday (23.08.2012) may soon have a new textbook: “Miteinander auf dem Weg” (On the Way Together). The book’s publisher claims it is the first textbook of its kind on the topic, presenting both facts and cultural norms and values. But Islam expert Michael Kiefer calls that marketing hype.
“We already have quite a few textbooks that look at Islam from an insider’s perspective,” Kiefer said, adding that what’s new in “Miteinander auf dem Weg” is its detailed drawings and illustrations.
Settling on an interpretation
Too much emphasis on the perspective of immigration? “Miteinander auf dem Weg” introduces German pupils to IslamIn textbooks for first and second graders whose reading skills will be very limited, incorporating strong visual elements is key, Kiefer said. The new publication offers colorful, approachable images in which protagonists Sarah and Bilal lead pupils through a slice of daily life that they can understand. Kiefer considers the inter-religious segment of the book especially well executed.
“It’s done very well because the kids can also pick up sound information about Judaism and Christianity there,” Kiefer said.
The characters Sarah and Bilal are presented as the children of parents who immigrated to Germany. Sarah’s parents are from Saudi Arabia, and Bilal’s are from Turkey.
“I would have preferred for Islam to be shown with less of an emphasis on the perspective of immigration. After all, many Muslims living in Germany were born here and may even be fourth-generation German citizens,” Kiefer noted.