Azerbaijan as a new political center of Islam

/By AzerNews/

By Laman Sadigova

The past 15 years saw deepening tensions evolve in between Western countries and the Islamic world. Such tensions have often been perceived and understood as a clash of civilizations, the manifestation of antithetical values and beliefs -- wars, conflicts, hatred...

As the world falls more deeply into a state of global unrest, both sides have proven to hold deep prejudices against each other.

A simple look at the map and it appears evident that Muslim countries are undergoing much political instability. And though a great many numbers of hot-spots across the ME were bound to explode in the light of aggravated tensions -- social inequality, climate changes and so on, unrest is threatening to throw not just the region but the globe into chaos.

Of the 22 global conflicts currently ongoing, 21 are located in Muslim countries. A main question begs to be asked: is there a need to create a new center for the Muslim world which will prove capable of acting a bridge in between east and west? And what quality would this center need to have to become a potent actor for change?

Logic would argue such a country/center would have to have demonstrated cultural restraint and religious tolerance to act a positive model for others and present a positive example of multi-culturalism, as well as demonstrate good economic growth and social equality.

As it happens, Azerbaijan fits the bill. A secular, yet Muslim modern democracy, Azerbaijan stands the original symbiosis of Western values and inviolable religious ceremonies and traditions.

Before the rise of extremism and Islamophobia it is clear an alternative is needed. Azerbaijan could offer a real solution and serve an example to be emulated across the globe, proof that Islam needs not to clash against western values.

As a member of the Council of Europe, Azerbaijan is also part of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and thus can play a decisive role in combining these two civilizations.

The world needs a new direction, a new sense of purpose. Azerbaijan could act as a catalyst.

Located in a troubled region of the globe, in between Islamic Iran, countries of South Caucasus and two regional giants Russia and Turkey, Azerbaijan with its painful problem of the Nagorno-Karabakh has pursued a wise independent policy. Azerbaijan could ensure relative neutrality to achieve a long-term stability.

Traditionally a predominantly Shi’a Muslim country, Azerbaijan was part of the Soviet Union for 71 years. This experience translated in the manner the state positioned its institutions vis avis religion.

Azerbaijan spent seven decades as an atheist country and this separation with the religious has enabled the country to remain immune to radicalism.

Azerbaijan has achieved a clever and workable balance in between the religious and the state, approaching faith with openness and tolerance. And though Islam remains the state religion, all faiths are welcomed in the country.

Azerbaijan is both a Muslim country and a democratic power. Religious education is not mandatory in Azerbaijan and the Constitution of Azerbaijan clearly stipulates that the state and the religious are separate.

The Law on Freedom of Religion especially prohibits the government from interfering in the religious activities of any individual or group, and though religious organizations must be registered by the government to be able to maintain a bank account, rent property, and generally act as a legal entity, freedom and independence are guaranteed.

With such a wonderful approach Azerbaijan has much to offer.