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The state of Schleswig-Holstein has officially announced that Muslim students and employees are permitted to take leave on the first day of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha.
This arrangement follows an agreement between the state government and the Northern German Association of Islamic Cultural Centers (VIKZ).
Under the agreement, students may be absent from school on these days without submitting a formal excuse, while Muslim employees are required to obtain permission from their employers.
Education Minister of the State of Schleswig-Holstein Dorit Stenke, emphasized that the agreement represents “an important indication of equal recognition for religious communities” and underlined that Muslims are a recognized part of German society.
The agreement also includes provisions to support the integration of Islamic institutions within public life.
It allows the Northern German Association of Islamic Cultural Centers (VIKZ) to operate educational and cultural facilities and to train religious leaders, subject to regulatory requirements.
Additionally, the framework paves the way for the inclusion of Islamic religious education in schools, provided there are sufficient student numbers and qualified teachers.
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