Can a modern mosque bridge the divide between ancient tradition and contemporary gender equality?
In short: Sherin Khankan is redefining religious leadership as Scandinavia's first female imam. By establishing a women-led mosque in Copenhagen, she challenges centuries of patriarchal institutional norms. Her work seeks to reconcile the tension between faith and modern politics, creating a space where women lead prayers and perform interfaith marriage ceremonies.
Born in 1974 to a Finnish mother and a Syrian political refugee, Sherin Khankan describes her identity as existing between two distinct worlds. This dual perspective informs her lifelong mission to bridge opposites. After studying religion and Arabic at the University of Copenhagen, she earned a master's degree in the sociology of religion and philosophy in 2002. Her intellectual foundation is deeply rooted in the belief that religious institutions across major faiths have become unnecessarily patriarchal, a tradition she actively seeks to dismantle.
In February 2016, Khankan founded the Mariam mosque in Copenhagen, marking a significant shift in the religious landscape. As the first female-run mosque in Denmark, it operates with an all-female imam staff. While the space welcomes all genders for general worship, Friday prayers are reserved exclusively for women. The inaugural service took place in August 2016, where 60 women gathered above a local eatery to hear the call to prayer. Beyond standard services, the mosque has gained attention for performing interfaith marriages, a practice often restricted in more traditional settings.
Khankan’s influence extends well beyond her local congregation. She founded the organization Critical Muslims to integrate religious discourse with political activism and has authored texts on the intersection of Islam and politics, including her 2007 book, Islam and Reconciliation - A Public Matter. Her advocacy for progressive, feminist-led religious spaces has earned international recognition, including a visit to the French presidential palace at the invitation of Emmanuel Macron and a spot on the BBC’s 100 Women list in 2016. Despite facing moderate opposition, she reports that the broader reception to her work has been largely supportive.
Today, Khankan continues to balance her public advocacy with her personal life. She is a mother of six and remains active in the Danish political sphere, having previously stood as a candidate for the Danish Social Liberal Party. Her ongoing efforts represent a deliberate attempt to modernize religious practice, ensuring that women’s voices are not just heard but are central to the leadership and future of the faith.
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