Islamic Theology Course To Be Established In Vienna University

Vienna, Dec 19, IRNA – Islamic theology course to train Islamic experts will be established in Vienna University. Vice Rector of Vienna University Heinz Fassmann declared that executive works to commission Islamic Theology College will begin from next year. Islamic Theology branch of study is to commission on year 2015, which is synchronized with 650 years of establishment of the Vienna University. According to the latest statistics published in Austria, the Muslim population in the country has risen by 23 times during last 40 years. While in year 1971 there were 22 thousand and 267 Muslims living in Austria, now the figure has exceeded 500 thousand. Islam has been recognized as an official religion in Austria since 100 years ago. There are 250 mosques, prayer rooms and Islamic associations in Austria. Some 49 percent of Muslims residing in Austria have Austrian citizenship. Currently there are 50 to 70 thousand Shia Muslims living in Austria./end