"They want to extinguish the light of God with their mouths. But Allah is the perfecter of His light, even if the disbelievers do not like it.

(Sura "Saf", verse 8).

The impact of the policy of secularism in France on the country's Muslim society and its radicalization is a subject that needs to be studied separately. This issue is very important to understand the direction of the processes taking place in Uzbekistan as well as in France.

France and Muslims

Muslims in France constitute one of the largest Muslim diasporas in the European Union. Approximately 5-6 million Muslims live in the country, which means 8-10% of the total population. France's relationship with the Muslim community largely dates back to the country's colonial era. In particular, the invasion policy of the French in countries such as Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia located in North Africa and the immigrants from these countries caused the formation of the Muslim society in the country.

French radical secularization

In France, the movement of secularism or "laïcism" was a means of separating the state and religion. According to him, religion does not interfere in state affairs, and vice versa, the state does not control religion. But this policy has lost its essence and turned into a form of pressure on Muslims. For example, the prohibition of wearing a headscarf in schools has created a feeling of division and protest in society.

In 2010, the ban on national-cultural clothing that fully covered the face in public was seen by many as a policy directed against women of oriental culture. This led to the exclusion of Muslims from society.

Social exclusion

Many Muslims in France live in a socially and economically disadvantaged situation. Unemployment, poor housing conditions and limited educational opportunities in the districts in need of social protection are the reasons for their isolation. Moreover, policies of discrimination against Muslims in workplaces, schools and universities, neighborhoods and clinics prevent them from feeling like full French citizens.

For example, a 2016 report by the Institut Montaigne research center found that 50 percent of Muslim students in France had experienced harassment and discrimination at school.

Police and security measures

Security measures within the framework of the fight against terrorism also often target the Muslim community. For example, after the terrorist attacks in Paris in 2015, a state of emergency was introduced by the French government, more than 20 mosques were closed and about three thousand people were placed under compulsory supervision.

According to the French Ministry of the Interior, about 500 mosques and Islamic centers were inspected between 2017 and 2020, and some were completely closed. Such measures caused sharp objections from the Muslim community and created a crisis of confidence in the state.

Muslims consider the fact that the French police stop them for no reason and conduct preventive interviews as injustice and discrimination based on their religion. It is also reasonable to say that this situation caused Muslim communities to lose confidence in internal affairs bodies and created new problems.

The influence of mass media and political discourse

In French media and social networks, most Muslims are portrayed in connection with terrorism, crime and cultural differences (alleged pro-Arabism). This reinforces negative stereotypes against Muslims. For example, in 2020, Le Monde reported that 35 percent of media coverage of Muslims was related to terrorism and extremism.

The growth of right-wing political parties in France and their use of anti-Islamic rhetoric has created an atmosphere of hostility against Muslims, intensifying repression.

According to a 2020 report by Human Rights Watch, 45 percent of political decisions made in France between 2017 and 2020 worked to the detriment of Muslims, thereby curtailing their freedom of religion and culture. As a result, radicalization against the oppressive system naturally increased.

The main causes of radicalism

As a result of alienation and oppressive policies of the state, some people in France are prone to radical ideas. Extremist groups are using this to present their ideas as a means of justice and protection. This increases the tendency of young people to radicalism.

As a result of studies, anti-radicalism is more common among young people who feel disadvantaged, excluded and treated unfairly. Extremist groups are recruiting young people by catering to their needs and restoring a lost sense of identity.

According to the Center for the Prevention of Radicalism, in 2019, about 1,200 young people in France were found to have joined extremist groups. Among them, 70 percent were socially excluded, discriminated and alienated.

Conclusion: "eyebrows were removed"?

The policy of radical secularization in France and its negative effects require serious consideration and solutions. The policy of oppression against Muslims can lead to their further radicalization and division of society. Therefore, it is important to find a balance between security and social justice.

In conclusion, it can be said that the failure to find a balance between security and social justice in the religious policy of any country can lead to an increase in radicalization in the case of France. Because who needs the French "eyebrow look"?

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