“We are seriously concerned by the organization called ‘National Council’, which has no political prospect, and the Musavat Party calling on religious adherents to take to the streets during pre-referendum campaigns. Attempts to attract the country’s religious population, who are loyal to statehood and national interests, to such political issues are inadmissible,” the statement says.
It is noted that religious adherents, like any other citizen, are pleased with the achievements of Azerbaijan, which has become the leading country of the region in terms of economy and many other fields.
“Undoubtedly, all the achievements of the modern Azerbaijan, architected by national leader Heydar Aliyev, are rightfully credited to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the deserved successor to the national leader. We are especially proud of his declaration of 2016 as ‘Year of Multiculturalism’ in the country and consecutive efforts to protect and promote our national and moral values. Regrettably, there are some radical political groups that are bothered by our country’s achievements and seek to prevent them. To achieve their goals, they try to benefit from a variety of ways, even inadmissible methods such as politicizing religion and religious people. We strongly condemn politicization of religion and religious people’s attraction to this process as these attempts are contrary to state interests and national values,” reads the statement.
It’s stated that the one who tries to politicize religion cannot be a believer with sound spirit.
Baku-based religious communities and their tens of thousands of members stand against the purposeful politicization of religion and religious adherents, because religious people who respect national moral values should gather in places of worship rather squares, says the statement.
“We call on our religious brothers not to answers radical calls aimed at politicizing religion. Radical political circles that stick to the principle “the purpose justifies the means” and even cooperate with religious extremists tend to forget that our religious ones are able to understand the true essence of Islam and who are loyal to statehood and national interests. Religion, although separate from state, is a system of faith that regulates the moral sphere of our society. We also hold the belief that religion is far from politics and condemn its political manipulation. We highly appreciate state care to religion and the conditions created for religious freedom. We support all the efforts of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev aimed at developing our country,” says the statement.
The statement was signed by heads of 41 religious communities based in Baku.
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