Many of his books and essays focused on Islam's place in the West and, after 11 September, in particular, in the United States.

He was one of the signatories of A Common Word Between Us and You, an open letter by Islamic scholars to Christian leaders, calling for peace and understanding.

Hofmann was born in Aschaffenburg to an intellectual family related to Hugo Ball, a co-founder of Dadaism.

His conversion was met with some controversy due to his high profile in the German government.

[4] Hofmann was an honorary member and advisor to the Central Council of Muslims in Germany.