Religious Holidays in Germany: Who Gets the Day Off?
A recent agreement between the state of Schleswig-Holstein's Ministry of Education and a regional Islamic association has sparked controversy over Muslim holidays in Germany. The contract, signed on October 5, 2025, allows Muslim employees and students to request unpaid leave on two major Islamic holidays: the first day of Ramadan and the first day of Eid al-Adha.
The agreement was met with criticism from some media outlets, including Bild and Die Welt, which claimed that Muslims in Schleswig-Holstein were receiving "extra holidays." However, experts argue that this interpretation is misleading. "This is not about granting extra holidays, but rather providing an option for Muslim employees and students to observe their religious holidays," said Susanne Schröter, an Islamic studies scholar.
The agreement was routine in nature, formalizing a long-standing practice of allowing Muslim employees and students to take unpaid leave on major Islamic holidays. According to the German Federal Ministry of Education, this is not a new policy, but rather a clarification of existing regulations.
Germany's diverse population observes various religious holidays, including Christian, Jewish, and Islamic celebrations. The country has a complex system for granting days off for religious observance, with different states and employers having their own policies.
In Schleswig-Holstein, the agreement was seen as an attempt to promote diversity and inclusion. "We want to create a welcoming environment for all employees and students, regardless of their background or faith," said a spokesperson for the state's Ministry of Education.
The controversy surrounding the agreement highlights the complexities of balancing individual rights with societal expectations in a multicultural society. As Germany continues to navigate its diverse population, experts say that education and understanding are key to resolving such issues.
Background:
Germany has a long history of recognizing and accommodating different religious holidays. The country's constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and various laws regulate the observance of religious holidays in the workplace.
Additional Perspectives:
"This agreement is not about granting special treatment, but rather about respecting the diversity of our society," said Dr. Ayman Abou-Hatab, a Muslim scholar and advocate for interfaith understanding.
"We need to be careful not to create unnecessary controversy over issues like this," added Schröter. "It's essential to educate people about different cultures and faiths to promote understanding and respect."
Current Status:
The agreement in Schleswig-Holstein is a step towards promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As Germany continues to evolve as a multicultural society, experts say that education and understanding are key to resolving issues related to religious holidays.
Next Developments:
As the debate surrounding the agreement continues, experts predict that there will be more discussions about balancing individual rights with societal expectations. The German government has announced plans to review its policies on religious holidays in the workplace, aiming to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for all employees and students.
*Reporting by Dw.*
