Dialogue with Islam

The extensive discussion, held in a friendly, open, and constructive atmosphere, yielded agreement on key issues. The guiding principles, symbols, and value of Islam must not be discredited; thus INGO Diplomaten International categorically rejects the “insulting video” about the Prophet Muhammad. Any publication that questions the exemplary nature of the Prophet and hurts believers’ feelings is entirely unacceptable. No one should be allowed to mock religions and faith.

Full agreement could not be reached regarding traditional rituals such as circumcision of boys. INGO Diplomaten International believes that a circumcision age of 14 would allow young people to decide for themselves about their affiliation with faith communities.

The religious leader, however, takes the position that although the Quran does not prescribe this circumcision and there is no obligation to perform it, it represents a connection to Islam as part of biblical history. Therefore, this ritual should be maintained. Parents may decide when circumcision is performed, yet there are concerns that a 14-year-old might no longer want circumcision for emotional reasons.

In any case, circumcision must be performed by medically trained specialists. The religious leader also cited hygienic reasons. INGO Diplomaten International pointed to the function of nerve endings and corresponding explanations and findings from science and the medical community.

INGO Diplomaten International explained that images of circumcisions in Western public discourse create the impression of cruel and outdated rituals. It is therefore crucial that children experience circumcision only under anesthesia and without pain, carried out by professionals.

Comparisons between Christian baptism and the Islamic ritual of circumcision—understood in both religions as a parental right—were not explored further.

INGO Diplomaten International repeatedly noted the care, sensitivity, and empathy with which Prof. Dr. Görmez addresses these topics. His capacity for dialogue includes the tolerance to listen to other opinions and engage with them.

INGO Diplomaten International stated that it would propose to a committee of the German Bundestag to extend an invitation to Prof. Dr. Görmez so that a hearing could present his perspective to a broader public.

Beyond the issue of circumcision, the focus is on contemporary problems that require peaceful interaction and dialogue in order to learn to understand each other. Both sides agreed that all religions are in need of reform, which requires respect, empathy, patience, time, and education.

Restraint during protests in Turkey concerning poster publications and the film about the Prophet Muhammad was appreciated as a positive sign of the Muslims’ peacefulness, and the wish was expressed to discuss these potentials for preventive conflict management or prevention with religious leaders in Arab countries as well.

Both sides expressed a shared desire to continue the dialogue regularly in the interest of peace and understanding among peoples.