Berlin:
Imam Ahmed Sami spoke only Arabic when he moved from Morocco to Germany eight years ago. During his Friday prayer services in western Germany, he soon noticed that many of the listeners could not understand him.
So he joined a federally-funded pilot programme started by the University of Osnabrueck, which will not only teach imams the German language but also how to preach Islam in a way consistent with Germany's democratic values & religious tolerance.
Sami says the one-year training is very important because it puts one in sync with German society, which is pluralistic.
The curriculum includes a visit to the German Parliament in Berlin, a meeting with a rabbi and several classes by Christian theologians.
It comes at a time of growing concern about some young German Muslims becoming radicalised in extremist mosques and turning to terrorism.
Experts say the initiative is much needed. So far, over 90 per cent of the more than 2,000 imams in Germany barely speak any German.
But their positon in the immigrant communities is very important.
Not only do they deliver religious guidance, but also mediate in marital and family disputes.
Among the 30 students there are also four women who are working as counsellors in mosques across Germany.
So he joined a federally-funded pilot programme started by the University of Osnabrueck, which will not only teach imams the German language but also how to preach Islam in a way consistent with Germany's democratic values & religious tolerance.
Sami says the one-year training is very important because it puts one in sync with German society, which is pluralistic.
The curriculum includes a visit to the German Parliament in Berlin, a meeting with a rabbi and several classes by Christian theologians.
It comes at a time of growing concern about some young German Muslims becoming radicalised in extremist mosques and turning to terrorism.
Experts say the initiative is much needed. So far, over 90 per cent of the more than 2,000 imams in Germany barely speak any German.
But their positon in the immigrant communities is very important.
Not only do they deliver religious guidance, but also mediate in marital and family disputes.
Among the 30 students there are also four women who are working as counsellors in mosques across Germany.
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