MJÖ: First, political Islam was a "racist darling", now it is to be fought

The Muslim Youth Austria (MJÖ) has launched a nationwide educational initiative aimed at countering what it calls "political Islam." This offensive was officially announced on Monday during a press conference where representatives of the organization emphasized their intent to challenge self-proclaimed TikTok preachers who they believe spread extremist ideologies. The MJÖ has enlisted the support of former National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka (ÖVP) for this initiative. During the joint press conference, MJÖ representatives highlighted their motivation: to directly confront these figures and protect young people from anti-democratic and misogynistic influences.

The focus areas of the educational campaign have been outlined as addressing the narratives behind Islamist actors and how they influence youth. Under the project title "Together Against Political Islam," the MJÖ plans to collaborate with partners from politics, education, science, and civil society to shield young people from harmful ideologies. The MJÖ aims to use arguments rather than general suspicion or denial when dealing with political Islam. They emphasize that being part of the community allows them to understand the theological arguments used by political Islam proponents, especially those found on platforms like TikTok and social media.

Sobotka, president of the ÖVP-Party Academy Campus Tivoli, which has already extensively dealt with the topic, stressed that the MJÖ's initiative aligns with efforts to defend liberal democratic societies. He recalled his previous interactions with the MJÖ while serving as Minister of the Interior and encouraged the organization in its endeavor. According to him, if protecting liberal democracies is a concern, then one must also act against threats to them.

An essential component of the educational initiative includes qualifying volunteer youth leaders. The initiative concludes with a series of publications designed to strip the ideology of political Islam of its theoretical and scientific foundations. These publications will serve as reference materials and tools for argumentation, available to the public.

The MJÖ previously criticized the term "political Islam," but now it is using this very term as the title of its educational initiative. This shift comes after the MJÖ had earlier opposed the government’s proposal for a new criminal law targeting religious extremists, particularly those associated with the so-called "political Islam." In a recent report on racism, the MJÖ labeled the concept of political Islam as a "combat term" and a "racist darling" of Austrian politics.

Five years later, the MJÖ is launching an educational campaign under the same name, "Together Against Political Islam." On the podium alongside them is Wolfgang Sobotka, a former interior minister of the People's Party, which made "political Islam" a political issue under former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz. Sobotka once demanded all Muslims publicly declare their commitment to the constitution, and his ministry funded a study that placed the MJÖ close to the radical Islamic Brotherhood.

According to an MJÖ spokesperson, the relationship with Sobotka has been good since his visit to the organization's 20th anniversary celebration. Sobotka supports the MJÖ's "Anti-Antisemitism Initiative." During the press conference, Sobotka urged the Islamic Faith Community (IGGÖ), the largest Muslim religious group in the country, to speak up more actively and not just react when there are negative incidents. "Whoever remains silent gives the field to others," he stated.

From the perspective of the panel, the term "political Islam" represents a hegemonic ideology aiming to establish a state and society based on strict Islamic norms, even in Europe. Cemile Atasoy, a representative of the MJÖ, emphasized that it is not contradictory to be both Muslim and Austrian, although living this dual identity can sometimes be challenging. She noted two opposing trends in recent years: increasing Islamophobia in politics and growing alienation and resignation among Muslims. This sense of emptiness, she said, is being filled by extremists and enemies of democracy, especially online.

Salafist TikTok preachers present democracy and women's rights as contradictions to democracy, view violence against non-believers as a path to paradise, and some openly long for a caliphate. These self-appointed imams flood young people with content that is unconstitutional, extremist, violates human rights, and is sexist. Atasoy warned that such individuals pose a significant threat to democratic values and the rights of women.