Islam at the Margins: Salafi and Progressive Muslims Contesting the Mainstream in Germany

Based on ethnographic data collected in Germany, this article compares ultra‑conservative Salafi and progressive, LGBTQI‑plus Muslim movements and examines their negotiation of religious identity and practice within and in contrast to ‘mainstream Islam’ (e.g., DİTİB).While on the surface these movements appear to be on the fringes of Islam and clearly op‑posed to each other, a closer look reveals interesting moments of convergence and publicly gained prominence. In doing so, this article explores the actor biography issues that drive affiliation, including negative experiences with mainstream mosques and the search for authentic expression and roots. It analyses the politics of labelling (e.g., ‘Salafi’, ‘liberal’),and how these groups define their target audiences in relation to the perceived mainstream. It examines the negotiation of cultural diversity and Islamic ‘purity’, contrasting Salafi re‑form with progressive interpretations. Finally, it examines strategies for challenging main‑stream institutions. By comparing these groups, the article offers a nuanced insight into Islamic practices at the margins. It sheds light on the various strategies employed to discredit mainstream Islamic institutions, ranging from theological differences to power struggles within the contested religious field.