Farid Shafiev: Radical religious groups are increasing divisions in Muslim world

Islamophobia is not only hatred or fear directed against Muslims, but also an ideological structure that shapes the West's view of the East and, as a result, creates distorted views about Muslims, Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Center of the Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), said at an international scientific conference themed "Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas," held in Baku, Report informs.

Shafiyev emphasized that radical religious groups, by appropriating Islamic rhetoric, do not contribute to unity, but, on the contrary, increase division in the Muslim world.

"These radicals, using Islam for their political purposes, harm both the reputation of Muslims and contribute to the spread of Islamophobia," he noted.

Shafiyev emphasized that secular states like Azerbaijan can make a significant contribution to the fight against Islamophobia and preventing the monopolization of the Islamic agenda by radical groups.