Religion Plays Key Role in Identity and Psychological Resilience of Muslim Refugees in Germany, New Federal Analysis Finds

Religion Plays Key Role in Identity and Psychological Resilience of Muslim Refugees in Germany, New Federal Analysis Finds
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A new analysis by Germany’s Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has found that religion remains a crucial element of personal identity and psychological resilience for Muslim refugees living in the country.

The report concludes that faith and religious practices help many migrants cope with the stress of displacement, cultural adaptation, and feelings of alienation.

According to BAMF’s findings, a large majority of refugees in Germany identify as Muslim, with approximately 80% Sunni and 12% Shia, primarily arriving from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Smaller groups include Christians, Yazidis, and non-religious individuals. Around 15% of respondents described themselves as Christian, while others belonged to lesser-known faith traditions.

The report highlights that religion provides not only spiritual comfort but also a sense of community and stability in a new environment. Many Muslim refugees continue to perform daily prayers, and about 20% participate in online religious activities or virtual congregations.

Although the importance of faith slightly declined between 2017 and 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic reportedly renewed religious engagement among refugees, strengthening their sense of purpose and hope.

The BAMF study also identifies what it calls a “compensatory effect”—a pattern in which refugees who spend more time in Germany tend to increase their participation in religious gatherings, community rituals, and cultural events. These practices, the report notes, help rebuild social networks and foster belonging.

In conclusion, the analysis emphasizes that religion remains one of the most powerful cultural and emotional resources available to refugees. When acknowledged and supported in integration policies, it can serve not as a barrier but as a bridge toward social cohesion and successful adaptation within German society.