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The issue of creating spaces dedicated to religious activities and that of the establishment of particular sections for Muslims at public cemeteries might be viewed as a single one. While researching mosques, one needs to accent the multi-functionality of the premises. The final shape of the interior and the exterior of the buildings can be understood as a result of internal and external influences. In the case of the establishment of cemetery fields, the observation of the processes of expert solutions is important. In both issues the need of community organisation is displayed. Furthermore, the long-term construction of "otherness" in the European public space is in question. The discipline of Comparative Religious studies retains the possibilities to analyse the results of the research of Muslim communities and compare them with other examples (e.g., Jewish communities, small Christian churches or new religious movements). Thus issues concerning Islam can become a part of the wider discourse concerning secularisation and the deprivatisation of religion in Europe. The paper contributes to this discussion by pointing out the interconnection of needs of the Muslim population and manifestation of uniqueness in public space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is devoted to funeral culture and its connection to the acculturation of Muslims in German and Austrian society. The vast majority of the deceased are still transported back to their country of origin, which hampers the successful integration of their families. With regard to the establishment of specialised areas within municipal cemeteries, the significance of the process of institutionalisation of Muslim organisations has become clear, as has the emphasis on experts. An increase in the number of Muslim burials in Western Europe is expected in future. Importance is also attached to the funerals of new-borns, but the long-term integration effect of such funerals on the whole family is still debatable. Problems with operation of Islamic cemeteries in Germany are influenced by conferring public rights on Muslim organisations. However, some examples of successful operation of Islamic cemeteries can already be found in Austria. The current situation is influenced by the need to respond to an ever-increasing number of seniors from the first generation of Muslim migrants and asylum seekers from the second half of the last century. The creation of special areas at municipal cemeteries may not actually constitute an expression of separation. It rather corresponds to the process of integration within a stratified society. The forms of Islamic funerals will change as they adapt to the new environment. The cultural interpretations of Islam not only confront each other but also respond to the funeral customs of the surrounding non-Muslim society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]