Münster University to open Europe's first Faculty of Islamic Theology

Münster University in western Germany is set to open a Faculty of Islamic Theology in July, the first institution of its kind in Europe according to rector Johannes Wessels.

At a press conference on Wednesday, founding dean Mouhanad Khorchide said the move is of great significance to the Muslim community.

"This is a sign of recognition for Muslims, because there is now a dialogue with them in an academic context," he argued.

The university has hosted a Centre for Islamic Theology since 2011 under the Faculty of Philology, training religious educators.

The new institution is to have the possibility to grant its own doctoral degrees and appoint its examination boards independently.

According to Wessel, funding has been secured from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia for eight professorships, including in Islamic history, ethics and philosophy.

The Faculty of Islamic Theology is due to open on July 1, while academic life is due to begin fully in the winter semester of 2026/27 once all committees have been appointed.

The Islamic studies scholars are to share a common library and a canteen with academics from other religious studies faculties at the university, such as Catholic and Protestant theology.