How compatible are Islam and democracy? It’s a question that’s being asked here in Germany and elsewhere. The intensity of the debate has been stepped up with the populist right claiming that Islam is not a peaceful religion, but a dangerous ideology.

The far-right Alternative for Germany party has been gaining ground with its message that “Islam doesn’t belong to Germany.” The resulting public outcry has not prevented AFD members from claiming that Islam is a dangerous ideology and not a peaceful religion. Critics point to countries in the Arab world where movements pushing for more democracy have been stifled, often brutally. They also point to terrorists citing the Koran to justify their bloody acts and to the so-called Islamic State’s efforts to establish a transnational caliphate.

But what about the many millions of Muslims worldwide who cherish democracy and the many others who feel at home in western societies?

Are Islam and democracy really in-compatible? Or is that question simply xenophobic populism?

What do you think? Contact us at: quadriga(at)dw.com

Our guests:

Alan Posener - is a regular commentator for the Berlin-based daily Die Welt. Alan says: “Being religious means serving God before the state. In this respect, Islam is no different from Judaism or Christianity.”

Gudrun Kraemer - is a Professor of Islamic studies at the Freie Universität in Berlin and researches the modern Islam. She thinks: „It depends on how Muslims understand and live Islam. Muslims can be good democrats.”

Antje Bauer - is a political scientist and works with the Deutsche Welle Akademie, offering workshops for journalists in the Arab world. She thinks: “The recourse to religion is often used to cover up simple power interests. This is true not only for Islam but for other religions as well.”