بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْم
I want to start by saying this is my opinion, my perspective. It’s very important to understand that no one can give a perfect answer to such a complex issue. However, from my perspective, here’s what I see, what Germany did wrong, and how it could reclaim its identity.
If I were German and living in Germany, I would have completed a documentary answering these questions and presented it to the German public. Germany is a country with a very dark past, but it has also built a bright future. It has developed its economy, redefined itself as a nation, and moved forward—yet its new identity remains undefined, like an equation missing a key variable.
When I look at Germans today, I see people who don’t know what to do, what to say, or how to act, because they’ve never had the difficult conversations necessary to resolve their past. How do they become absent from the guilt and atrocities of the past while becoming present and well-acquainted with the accomplishments they’ve achieved since then? How do they celebrate these achievements and make them part of their culture and identity?
How does Germany create a bridge that allows it to look at its past—acknowledging its deep and disturbing downfalls—and still move forward? In my opinion, Islam offers unique guidance in this regard.
The Quran provides solutions by explaining why we were created and what our challenges are as human beings. It highlights the concept of the nafs—the lower self that whispers evil and drives destructive behavior. The story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) is particularly relevant. Yusuf didn’t absolve himself from the blame of what his brothers did to him—throwing him into a well, selling him into slavery, and trying to kill him out of jealousy. Instead, he reflected on the disease of the heart.
Europe has, until now, failed to grasp that human beings are not just physical bodies but also souls. If we understood this, Germany could better recover its culture and rebuild on a foundation of purity. The heart, as Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught, is a container. If it is pure, the entire person is good. If it is corrupted, the entire person is bad. What you allow into your heart shapes your identity, just as the food you consume shapes your physical health.
Germany did not commit atrocities because Germans were inherently evil people. They simply ignored the teachings of Islam regarding the heart. The heart, left unchecked, can fill with hatred, fear, and ignorance. Contemplating this truth shifts the focus away from superficial traits like eye color or skin color and places it where it belongs: on the heart.
Preserving Culture and Purity
Consider the poet Rumi. Though Persian, he is celebrated globally and has enriched the cultures of many nations with his wisdom. Islam does not take away a people’s language, color, or traditions—it blends in and enriches them. For example, in China, Islam has existed for centuries without erasing the Chinese language or culture. Instead, it adds beauty and depth to it.
Germany needs a similar approach—a bridge of purity that allows individuals with pure hearts to explore and reshape German identity. This bridge must allow Germany to look at its past honestly and redefine its future by re-examining the elements that make up its culture. The truth about Germany’s culture is that it was weaponized to kill millions. This isn’t something that can simply be recovered; it requires guidance from those who understand the process of purifying the heart and cultivating good character.
Key Elements of Culture to Reclaim
1. Beliefs and Values:
Germany is a predominantly Christian country but also carries a mix of atheism, Jewish beliefs, and other influences. These beliefs must be re-examined and aligned with what Germans today are comfortable with, creating a foundation that reflects modern Germany while respecting its origins.
2. Practices and Traditions:
Rituals and celebrations should reflect Germany’s Christian roots. There should be space for Jewish and other influences, but the emphasis must remain on reclaiming a core German identity. Christmas, for example, should focus on Christian traditions without being overly concerned about accommodating every culture equally.
3. Symbols and Language:
The German flag should be re-examined. Angela Merkel’s refusal to wave it deeply impacted the German psyche. Perhaps a redesign of the flag, chosen by a vote among young people, could symbolize a new era of unity and pride. Language and symbols must tell an authentic, modern German story.
4. Art and Creativity:
Germany should bring in creative minds from outside to celebrate its achievements and art. Let others showcase pride in German engineering, innovation, and cultural accomplishments. This external validation can help Germans gradually reclaim their pride.
5. Historical Context:
Germany’s history must be examined with honesty and humility. This process should involve creative storytelling—documentaries, literature, and art—to allow Germans to confront their past while celebrating their resilience and accomplishments.
The Heart of the Matter
The challenge for Germany is to reclaim its identity without falling into the trap of arrogance or racism. Pride, if not handled carefully, can lead to dangerous outcomes. The heart must be purified, and cultural recovery must involve individuals of great character who can serve as role models, not politicians or those who glorify the past.
Sufism, with its focus on the heart and spiritual purity, could offer valuable guidance here. German culture needs saints, poets, and thinkers to help carry its pride and redefine its identity in a way that is inclusive, humble, and forward-looking.
A Personal Solution
If I were to help, I would create a documentary. I would travel to Germany, meet its people, learn their culture, eat their food, and document their habits and history. This wouldn’t be just words—it would be action. I would explore what makes Germans who they are and showcase their journey toward reclaiming their identity.
While I might not have all the solutions, it’s clear that Germany is already doing many things right in terms of exploring and identifying its culture. Understanding behavior, values, and identity is at the heart of cultural discovery, and there are already examples that get it right.
One such example is a show that captures the essence of German culture—how people behave, what they believe in, and who they are. This kind of storytelling is invaluable for both Germans and the world. It provides a window into the soul of the nation, helping others understand and appreciate its uniqueness.
I hope Germany will invest more time and effort into expanding on this approach. By reflecting on their culture through accessible and engaging mediums, Germans can rediscover and celebrate what makes them who they are.
The video I found, “German Stereotypes: The Dirndl, Humor And German Efficiency”, does an incredible job of showcasing aspects of German culture. It’s a great starting point for anyone interested in understanding Germany, and it can serve as a model for future projects. I leave you with this video and my encouragement to continue exploring, expanding, and celebrating your culture.
Germany is at a crossroads: either it will find itself, or it will destroy itself. The path forward is difficult but necessary. I wish you all the best as you embark on this journey to heal, reclaim, and redefine what it means to be German.