ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the parameters of freedom affecting the teaching and researching of Islam at German state universities. Such freedom is prone to limitations due to two factors. First, the discipline of theology at academic state institutions limits research and teaching to a faith-based operating framework. Second, teaching and researching Islam at state universities might be influenced by two outside forces which differ from those imposed by either the German state or the Christian churches on teaching faculties. The chapter explains that freedom of research and teaching, as constitutionally guaranteed by the German state, not only has to operate within given parameters but also in the case of Islamic theology chairs faces additional challenges. The Muslim minority is ethnically highly diverse, and that most Muslims in Germany are not confessionally organised and have a liberal understanding of religion in society, the initiative of the German state can be welcomed.
