Bassam Tibi quotes

Bassam Tibi is a renowned Syrian-German political scientist and professor emeritus at the University of Göttingen. He is known for his expertise in Islam and international relations, with a focus on political Islam and multiculturalism. Tibi has published numerous books on these topics and is widely respected in academic circles. His work has been influential in shaping discussions on Islam and its relationship with the West. Learn more about Bassam Tibi and his contributions to the field of political science and Islam by exploring his writings and lectures.

In Europe, Muslims find themselves in the opposite position: they are the minority, but they are offered the equality of citizens. The acceptance of reason-based knowledge by Muslims would for them smooth the way to secular democracy, human rights, peace among democratic nations and above all cultural-religious pluralism. If Muslim migrants embrace these values and the related rules, it matters little whether Muslims constitute a minority or a majority. Some leaders of the Islamic diaspora are not favorable to this embracing and make the accusation of Islamophobia every time the shari’a is rejected. This accusation becomes an instrument for deterring any call for change and for incriminating any rational criticism. A call for an embracing of cultural modernity as a platform of peace between civilizations becomes in this perception an expression of Islamophobia.

- Bassam Tibi

Unlike multiculturalism, cultural pluralism doesn't just mean diversity but also togetherness – primarily the understanding of the rules of the game – the European values structure.

- Bassam Tibi

The weaker the partner is viewed by the Muslims, then the greater the anger which they express. And this anger is often carefully staged.

- Bassam Tibi

The Jihad is not just a way of testing yourself but also means using violence to spread Islam.

- Bassam Tibi

The accusation of cultural insensitivity is a weapon.

- Bassam Tibi

Pluralism and tolerance are pillars of modern society. That has to be accepted. But pluralism doesn't just mean diversity. It means that we share the same rules and values, and are still nevertheless different. Islam doesn't have this idea. And Islam also has no tradition of tolerance.

- Bassam Tibi