BERLIN – A German foundation released a study on Monday, March 27, revealing that nearly one in two German Muslims volunteer to help refugees integrate in the German community, describing them as “important bridge builders”.

The results of the study, entitled “Engagement for Refugees – a religious thing?: The roll of religion in Refugee aid,” was released by Bertelsmann Stiftung, Deutsche Welle reported on Monday, March 27.

Released on Monday, the study revealed that 44 per cent of Muslims were socially engaged for refugees in 2016, providing assistance through activities such as German language courses, clothing donations and assistance navigating bureaucratic language.

The report countered a wrong assumption that Muslims assist refugees to exert religious influence or radicalization, revealing that only two percent of the study’s respondents reported such intent as motivating their voluntary service.

On the other hand, the majority of Muslims surveyed campaigned for openness towards other religions through their volunteer activities.

Bertelsmann expert for social cohesion Stephan Vopel described Muslims who volunteer as “important bridge-builders” in society.

The authors of the study surveyed around 1,500 German inhabitants in addition to a further 1,000 Muslims living in Germany.

“Engagement for refugees” is the initial portion of the Religion Monitor 2017, a Bertelsmann research project that examines the roll of religion and religious diversity for societal cohesion in Germany and in Europe.

According to DW, over 10,000 individuals across various European and neighbor nations participated in the full project.