Career prospects as a researcher and as a teacher

“I like being able to think freely”

I realised early on that I wanted to take the academic path. This is why I opted to study Islamic Theology as a single-subject course. During my studies at ZIT, the Centre for Islamic Theology, I was able to familiarise myself with various disciplines of Islamic Theology and I became particularly interested in interpreting the Quran. During my studies I gained experience as a student assistant at the University. After I graduated I first of all worked as a research assistant, preparing for my PhD. I’m currently a research associate at ZIT, writing my dissertation as part of the project entitled “Herder’s Theological Quran Commentary”.

Islamic Theology contains many subsections, enabling students to acquire a variety of competences during their studies. The focus is on academic work because, as faith-led researchers, we wish to understand our faith in the context of the reality of our lives. The course of study not only provides opportunities to undertake practical work but also offers interdisciplinary teaching, with the focus on individual interests. Looking back, I have many positive memories of my studies. What I particularly like is that ZIT provides opportunities to think freely. Questions, or even criticisms, which other Muslim institutions are not fond of, are a matter of course at ZIT. As a result of taking a critical look at some aspects of my faith, I have been able to develop a stronger religious identity.

Recep Aktas has been working as a research associate at ZIT since 2022 and is currently engaged on his PhD.

 

“I learned how multi-faceted and diverse Islam is”

When I began studying at ZIT ten years ago, I was just in the process of completing my first bachelor’s degree. Although I was soon to graduate, I attended the seminar on “Prophetic Biography – The Sīra of the Prophet”, given by Prof. Milad Karimi. I only actually wanted to sample it – but, once in the seminar, it captivated me. For the first time, I had the feeling I was learning something that really touched me. The decision was soon taken: I embarked on a further course of study. Today I’m a teacher at a comprehensive school in Monheim an der Ruhr.

Before I began my studies, I was certain that I already knew a lot about my religion. After my studies, however, I realised how little I actually knew. This realisation that we are in a continuous learning process is also with me in my work. I learn both with and from my students. It was not until I started my studies that I realised how multi-faceted and diverse Islam is. What I particularly liked was reflecting, discussing and arguing together with others. This both challenged me and helped me advance – which is why I always think back with pleasure to my student days. My studies had an impact on me and on my career in that I learned one fundamental thing: humility. My studies sparked in me the aim to provide children and young people with a similar access to Islam and show them its diversity. Studying at ZIT was one of the best decisions I ever made, and it was a time I look back on with gratitude.

Mariam Sarwary was one of the first students at ZIT, beginning her studies in the winter semester 2012/13.

 

These contributions come from the university newspaper wissen|leben No. 6, 12 October 2022

Further information

• The October issue of the Unizeitung as PDF (only in German)
• All issues of the Unizeitung at a glance (only in German)