The Sufi Factor in the Politicization of Islam in the North-Eastern Caucasus

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Sufi Islam has taken root in the culture and consciousness of the multinational population of the North-Eastern Caucasus and, therefore, is the most traditional there. Modern relations between the state and religious associations of the North Caucasus region are conditioned by the simultaneous secularization of the religious sphere and the clericalization of the secular one. A number of regional leaders position themselves as patrons of various Sufi movements, as do their opponents. Accordingly, certain religious organizations acquire administrative and financial support, or, in case of confrontation with the authorities, lose their legal entity, as happened, for example, with the Ingush muftiate. The article provides a rationale for the current direction for the development of legislative regulation of relations between the state and religious associations in the North Caucasus region in the direction of leveling the politicization of religion. The methodology provides a historiographical and structural-functional analysis of the relationship between Islam, secular ideology and science. The article substantiates the decisive role of the historical and cultural heritage of Islam in the formation of the dominant ideology in North Caucasian society. In this regard, the need to optimize the relevant regulatory frameworkis explained. Due to the fact that Islamist principles provide conditions for the formation of pseudo-religious groups, including strengthening the impact of religious and political syncretism, they pose a threat to the security of the region under consideration. In an era of instability and social upheaval, ethno-religious relations come to the fore and become markers of the broadest social strata. The separation of competencies and responsibilities of the state and religious associations will contribute to strengthening social and social stability in the region.