Two new holidays for Muslims in Germany – State also plans Islamic religious instruction

In the German state of Schleswig-Holstein, Muslims will now be entitled to two additional public holidays – the first day of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha (Íd al-Adhá), reports the Apollo News website.

This is the result of an agreement between the state and the conservative Islamic association VIKZ. It applies in particular to civil servants, schoolchildren, and employees, who can now be officially granted time off.

The agreement also paves the way for the introduction of Islamic religious instruction as a regular school subject, although no specific date has yet been set – a sufficient number of students and qualified teachers are required. The agreement also includes the right of the VIKZ to operate educational institutions and train imams.

Culture Minister Dorit Stenke (CDU) described the agreement as an expression of respect and equality for religious communities.

According to Stenke, the document merely legalizes what has long been common practice. Critics, however, point out that this could give Muslims more holidays than other citizens, raising questions about fairness and obligations for employers.

(mja)