The architecture of spiritual security: how they protect the youth in Kazan from destructive ideas.
Peace be upon you! In Kazan, there was a republican forum named after Ahmadzaki Hazrat Safiullin called "Architecture of Spiritual Security: The Youth Question." The event was organized by the "Ahmadzaki" mosque together with the Islamic Cultural Center "Dialogue" and the "Beacon of Kindness" foundation, with support from the Antiterrorism Commission of the Republic of Tatarstan.
The organizers mentioned that the goal of the forum is to improve the effectiveness of parishes and religious educational institutions in preventing the ideologies of terrorism and extremism among the youth. Teachers from primary and secondary religious schools, as well as youth officers from imams across the republic, participated in the forum.
The Mufti of Tatarstan, Kamil Samigullin, spoke with welcoming words. He highlighted the significance of Ahmadzaki Safiullin for the Tatar people and reminded everyone that scholars have shown the way to follow: studying classical works and walking in the footsteps of those who passed knowledge to us.
The Mufti cited the Kizlyau madrasah and the book "Aqidah Nasafiya," noting that pre-revolutionary textbooks corresponded to classical Sunni beliefs. Remembering outstanding theologians, he said that preparing a worthy successor can be done by teaching the same books that the sheikhs read.
According to the Mufti, religion helps a person find spiritual resilience: faith in the forthcoming reward keeps one from sin, and faith in the Mercy of Allah brings peace to the soul. He is convinced that religion is an essential support for people.
A clergyman, representing other confessions, also addressed the attendees with warm words. He emphasized that one of the tasks of interfaith dialogue is to jointly protect youth from radical and destructive ideologies. Believers are obliged to help young people choose the right path, to be sincere examples and mentors.
Alexey Petrov, a representative of the Islamic Culture, Science and Education Support Fund, spoke about the "architecture of spiritual security" as a set of measures and institutions for protecting religious consciousness. He emphasized the importance of protection from destructive ideas and strengthening traditional values through the education system.
Petrov noted the role of Muslim spiritual administrations and their interaction with government bodies in countering terrorist ideology. He also stressed the significance of educational and outreach programs that allow graduates to receive both religious and secular education, making them more protected and sought after.
He mentioned that important elements include cooperation with the state, youth policy, social work, and media and digital activity. Imams need to be taught how to deal with modern digital threats, distinguish a genuine mentor from fake ones, and convey religious truths in a language that youth can understand.
Rustam Nurgaliyev, director of the Center for Islamic Economics and vice-rector of Kazan Islamic University, reminded that the mosque should be the center of community life - there’s a need for spaces for children, sports sections, creative groups, so that young people don’t go out to the streets in search of entertainment, but come to the community for support.
He also listed signs of extremism: a sharp opposition of "us" vs "them", attempts to impose the idea of "true" Islam, criticism of traditions, justification of violence through religious rhetoric, and calls for isolation from society.
Within the framework of the forum, participants studied the basics of digital security, the modern challenges of ideological threats among youth, and engaged in online communication on the topic of religious education as a prevention of extremism. At the end, all listeners received certificates.
Peace be upon you and the blessings of Allah. Islam is the path of submission to the will of Allah, which has greatly influenced the culture and social life of many peoples since the 7th century and today counts more than a billion followers.
https://islamnews.ru/2025/10/2