Converts | religious conversion
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Islam in EuropeThe big history of Albania's tiny Koran
For generations, this postage stamp-sized book has been passed down through one family -- surviving wars and one of the world's most fanatical "godless regimes".
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Michael Muhammad Knight's "Muhammad: Forty Introductions"An arba'in for non-Muslims
In his latest work, Michael Muhammad Knight – the enfant terrible of American Muslim writers – has sifted through the thousands upon thousands of Islamic hadiths to find 40 he feels best serve as an introduction to the Prophet Muhammad. Richard Marcus read the book
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College of Islam opens in OsnabruckGermany finally gets its own "home-grown" imams
On 15 June, the "Islamkolleg" in Osnabruck officially launched its new training programme for imams in German. The college is intended to prepare Islamic theologians for their work in mosque communities and thus further the integration of Muslims in Germany. By Christoph Strack
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Burka bans in EuropeWhy the burka is so important for right-wing populists
On 7 March, Switzerland became the latest European country to vote in favour of a so-called "burka" ban. It was yet another feather in the cap of the right-wing populist Swiss People's Party (SVP) on an issue that remains a perennial favourite with the Right across Europe. Essay by Daniel Bax
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Book review: Michael Muhammad Knight's "Muhammad's Body"The Prophet, a figure central to Islam's inherent complexities
In his latest book, "Muhammad's Body: Baraka Networks and the Prophetic Assemblage", Michael Muhammad Knight delves deeply into the idea and belief that Muhammad's body has blessed people both during his lifetime and after his death. By Richard Marcus
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Atheism in the Arab worldMoroccoʹs atheists find a home on the Internet
The Internet has made it possible for some to declare and even to promote their atheism by criticising Islam and other religions. Ismail Azzam spoke to some young Moroccans who have left their Muslim faith behind
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Afghan refugees and the right to remainFast-track baptisms
Germany is currently witnessing a sharp increase in the number of conversions from Islam to Christianity among its considerable refugee community. Christian sects from Asia are exploiting the fear of deportation among Afghan refugees – with potentially fatal consequences. By Ulrike Hummel
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Non-fiction: ″Magic in Islam″ by Michael Muhammad KnightFinding the hole in the fence
Michael Muhammad Knight has penned a book about magic and Islam that excites and intrigues. Taking us on a captivating journey into the faith′s history and evolution, he presents a picture that is far less homogeneous than many might expect. Richard Marcus read the book
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Atheism in EgyptBreaking the taboo
Atheists claim to hold no religious beliefs whatsoever: though some find that hard to accept, freedom of speech dictates that everyone should be entitled to express their ideas and thoughts without intimidation. Challenging religious oppression and outdated social mores, many Egyptians risk their lives to uphold and protect freedom and tolerance. By Hakim Khatib
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Converts to IslamGerman Islam
Germans who adopt Islam not out of frustration but out of a sincere passion for the religion are often disappointed by those born into the Muslim faith, finding that they insufficiently embody the beauty of Islamic doctrine and spirituality. By Charlotte Wiedemann
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Christian minorities in IranIran's persecuted converts
The Iranian-American woman Naghme Abedini has been fighting for her husband's release from an Iranian jail for some time now. He is a Christian convert accused of founding "underground churches" in the Islamic Republic – institutions that are growing ever more popular in Iran. By Thomas Latschan
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Conversion of Christians and Muslims in IndiaHomecoming or forced conversion?
A heated controversy has been triggered in India over a Hindu nationalist campaign to bring Christians and Muslims "back into the Hindu fold". While the Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains silent over the issue, organisations allied to his party continue to pursue the campaign. By Ulrich von Schwerin