Gurbanly: We will not allow religious radicalism

In the history of religions in different periods, there have been bursts of religious radicalism. Sometimes in the West they mean only Islam as religious radicalism, but that is not true. This opinion was expressed in an interview with Turan by the head of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations, Mubariz Gurbanli.

According to him, in Azerbaijan the struggle against religious radicalism is conducted within the law.

"We are historically and traditionally an Islamic country, which has distinctive national customs and rituals associated with Islam. 96% of the population is Muslims. During the period of the existence of Islam in Azerbaijan there have never been confrontations and clashes on religious grounds.

However, there are those who want to extend non-traditional religious movements, including radical ones, in our country, he added.

In his view, the main way to combat religious radicalism is education.

"At the same time, we must also use legal measures. We will carry out educational work, abide by the law, as well as eliminate the causes of religious radicalism," he added.

Law enforcement agencies will prevent and oppose the participation of citizens in religious terrorist groups abroad, including the Middle East, he said.

On the question of what to do to prevent the penetration of political Islam in Azerbaijan, Gurbanly replied:

"For this they have no financial means or physical force. On the other hand, their "ideology" is not supported by the people.

These groups gather terrorists, on the one hand, and on the other, people under their influence. At the same time, there are also adventurers. In this sense, the probability of their arrival in the Caucasus is zero. At the same time, measures are taken to prevent the penetration of such radicals.

We will not allow the spread of non-traditional Islamic values. Our main holy book is the Koran, and we will explain to people that the claims of radical groups do not belong to Islam. At the same time, law enforcement agencies will strongly discourage any illegal actions on the part of these groups."

"The influence of religion on politics is not new. There have always been those who tried to invade through religion in politics and achieve the realization of political objectives. However, in Azerbaijan religion is separated from the state, as we are a secular state.

Azerbaijani laws do not allow the use of religion for political purposes. At present, the influence of radical religious circles on political processes in Azerbaijan is minimal," said Gurbanly.

Commenting on the campaign to conduct a modest repast, he said:

"In our opinion, these ceremonies should not be undertaken with a view to feed the people, but to allow them to communicate and express condolences to the relatives of the deceased. At the same time, we are not talking about banning some treats.

Such measures must be carried out with the consent of the communities of villages, towns, and the whole society. I am convinced that most of the Azerbaijani people want to change this order," he added. -03B06-