Islamist attitudes among young Muslims in Germany (English Version)

The Koran is the perfect guide, so that no one should question any of its thoughts.

[Der Koran ist die perfekte Führung, sodass niemand einen seiner Gedanken infrage stellen sollte.]

In principle, the items can be left as they are, but the translations should be checked. Arabic in particular could contain formulations that lead to the abort.

Neither the German nor the Turkish-speaking test persons show difficulties in understanding the question. The Turkish test persons explain that the word "thought" does not appear in the first item, but the word "content" does. Only a Turkish test person does not understand the formulation of the first item. It translates: "You do not have to be born a Muslim woman, but the Koran can be something beautiful, and no matter what you are, you can get everything from it" (TR09). Neither the words "thought", "guidance" nor "content" appear in the question in their view.
The Arab test persons seem to stumble over the formulation of the first item. Two of the test persons decide not to answer both the question and the cognitive questions about it. The exact reasons for the omission thus remain unclear, so that one can only assume that either the subject or the wording in Arabic is sensitive. With the exception of TR09, who did not understand the question, all German- and Turkish- speaking test persons have an appropriate justification for the choice of their answer option. Test persons who agree that the Koran is the perfect guide and that his thoughts (Turkish: contents) should not be questioned, justify this by stating that the Koran was written by God (DE03, TR07, TR08), that they read the original Koran unchanged (AR12), or that they were taught from an early age not to question the teachings of the Koran (DE01).
Test persons who indicate "medium approval" weigh up between the view that the Koran is a "guide and rule book" (AR11), but cannot be applied to everything (anymore) without reflection:

• “You can also question the Koran. Islam wants people to expand their knowledge." (DE04)
• “The Koran was often copied and translated - something was always changed. The content is not original." (TR06).

Test persons who reject the item clearly emphasize the necessity of critical thinking:

• “The Koran is a matter of interpretation. Many words have different meanings" (DE02, "rather not agree")
• “That statement is stupid. Not everyone should think that the Koran is perfect; you can question everything. Everyone has their own way of thinking." (DE05, "do not agree at all")
• “I think that everything should be questioned, why something should be good. For example: Why should we fast? You have to question that to understand. You can't just take this lying down." (TR10, "do not agree at all")

Religion & culture/ Worldview & religiosity

Islamist-fundamentalist attitudes

The system of government practiced by the Prophet Mohammed can be implemented anytime and anywhere.

[Das vom Propheten Mohammed praktizierte Regierungssystem kann jederzeit und überall umgesetzt werden.]

In principle, the items can be left as they are, but the translations should be checked. Arabic in particular could contain formulations that lead to the abort.

A German-speaking test person broods over this item for a long time, and explains that although he had taught Islam, he had not yet read the Koran or Sunna completely and cannot say what kind of system of government the Prophet Mohammed practiced. After long hesitation he decides to leave the item unanswered (DE01). A Turkish test person also leaves the item unanswered because she considers the question too difficult (TR08).
Most test persons cannot explain in detail what the system of government practiced by the Prophet Mohammed consists of. Two test persons mention the Sharia (DE04, TR10) and one the caliphate (AR13). Nevertheless, the item works in the sense that the respondents choose an answer option that reflects their opinion of how the teachings of Mohammed are applicable today.

Religion & culture/ Worldview & religiosity

Islamist-fundamentalist attitudes