First Islamic school in Vienna!
In the heart of Vienna, the first officially recognized Islamic "Realgymnasium" in Europe is located. The school promotes itself with the slogan "education based on Islamic values" and is run by an association aimed at fostering a spirit of solidarity and respectful interaction between students and teachers.
The notable thing about the school's rules is that there is no obligation to wear the hijab. However, it is observed that many female students and teachers wear the hijab. In physical education classes, there are specific guidelines for wearing "sports hijabs" to suit physical activity. The administration emphasizes that it relies on an education based on mutual respect and building a "conscious" relationship with God, aiming to spread true peace and a culture based on mutual respect.
The official language used within the school is German. In addition to supplementary religious education, lessons in native languages are offered, along with activities such as football and other elective courses. For years, the use of smartphones and tablets has been prohibited inside the school. The school administration emphasizes the importance of maintaining a decent appearance, especially for girls, as the rules state that legs must be covered up to the knee, avoiding exposure of the stomach or shoulders, and refraining from wearing clothing with wide necklines.
The school charges a monthly fee of 194 euros, which also includes after-school care. Students complete their education by obtaining the accredited "Matura" certificate. The school also offers special classes for upper-level students that rely on the use of laptops, and is supported by the "Bildungsdirektion Wien" (Vienna Education Directorate) and the European Union's social support fund.
However, this project did not pass without sparking political controversy. "Maximilian Krauss," the leader of the right-wing "FPÖ" party in Vienna, expressed his concerns, stating that the school could become a platform for spreading "extremist Islamic propaganda" with the support of the "Ludwig-SPÖ" government and the European Union. He called for strict and permanent oversight of this Islamic school.