Dhe German Islam Conference (DIK) has degenerated into a dusty tradition. The new federal government does not want to break with this tradition either and is therefore organizing a kick-off event this Wednesday. The usual suspects are invited. Almost only those who support the Interior Minister’s agenda get a stage. Everyone else is allowed to assist in silence but with applause. I have to admit: When I received the invitation to the DIK, I briefly considered whether I should go at all. Do I have to put up with the officials and politicians from the Ministry of the Interior who prayerfully agree with me in the break between lectures and who complain about the contributions of conservative representatives of associations such as DITIB, the Coordination Council of Muslims or the Central Council of Muslims, only to tell me afterwards explain why you will continue to work with these associations despite this? Do I have to listen to the complaints of some participants who feel disturbed by the presence of my bodyguards without showing the slightest solidarity with the situation of threatened critics and liberal Muslims? Does the exchange bring us further on topics that only seem relevant on this day, but otherwise have little to do with the everyday life of Muslims in Germany?
ignorance of German politics
Members of the above-mentioned conservative associations and Muslim civil society in Germany have been invited again this Wednesday, as well as individuals and a few critical voices. Generally formulated points with a feel-good factor, such as cohesion in times of change, Muslim civil society commitment and topics that do not cause controversy and with which the associations can emphasize the positive and avoid criticism, are on the agenda. Don’t expect depth. Government representatives talk to conservative representatives, ideologically inclined conference participants and civil society actors who like to ignore everything that could be controversial. As in the times of Horst Seehofer and Thomas de Maizière, important themes of Muslim life in Germany are deliberately completely ignored. This is not the first time that the current government is missing out on this necessary discussion. A few months ago, the Ministry of the Interior decided to shut down the only working group dealing with the topic of “political Islam”. In this government they want to “celebrate differences”. Talking about the difficulties of diversity as well as the advantages is undesirable.
