“Historical experience shows that after the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the four rightly guided caliphs, rulers used Islam to expand the borders of their states, conquer peoples and increase their spheres of influence. Such cases have occurred in history, because state interests subordinated religion to their service.”
Globalinfo.az reports that these words were said by the head of the South Caucasus Research Center, political analyst Farhad Mammadov.
“In the modern era, Islam is used for political purposes in the most despicable way. Azerbaijan is one of the countries that are constantly attacked in this context. Our southern neighbours never tire of promoting a welfare society, although they themselves cannot demonstrate an example of that welfare. A military junta ruled in the name of a supreme leader who does not appear before the public is, of course, not an example of ideal Islamic governance.
Azerbaijan has chosen the path of secularism. This choice is the result of conscious historical experience shaped over centuries and a decision of a strategic nature. Secularism creates conditions for sincere Islam. Thus, every person, upon reaching a certain age, can make their own conscious choice in their relationship with Allah. That age can be 18, 30, 45 or 60; a person can even make such a choice while on their deathbed. Everyone has their own path to Allah, and everyone answers before Allah only for their own deeds!
Farhad Mammadov
In Islam, the relationship between man and Allah is defined, and that relationship is fully consistent with secular principles. Azerbaijan, as a secular state, determines its own way of life.
Today the issue of a single school uniform for teachers and pupils is being politicised. Yet the goal is to apply a unified approach to school education and to shape a sense of justice in the younger generation. There is not even a hint here of restricting citizens’ daily lives.
Manipulation of religious values is unacceptable. Because our children must not and cannot become an object of exploitation by foreign religious influences. Such influences exist and are being carried out deliberately. Hundreds of pages and profiles have been created on social networks. They engage in information provocations and targeted information attacks against our society.
In Azerbaijan, secularism ensures not the Islam instilled from outside by persons with superficial religious knowledge, but sincere Islam. In Azerbaijan, Islam is the conscious choice of every person.”
Turan Rzayev
Globalinfo.az
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