Patriotism and Separatism as Ideological Aspects of Intra-Confessional Confrontation in Dagestan

Introduction . Russia’s geopolitical opponents today persistently continue their activities to destabilise interethnic and interconfessional relations, and primarily to clash the followers of Islam and Orthodoxy. In this regard, studies of the religious situation in the regions of Russia are actualised. Using the example of the Republic of Dagestan, we consider the increasing information pressure on the official clergy, which calls Muslims to patriotism and responsibility for the future of the country. Materials and Methods . The empirical basis of the research consists of statements by political, public and religious figures, official documents, materials of scientific publications and mass media. The main methodological foundation was the scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, the application of which is caused by the modern requirements of humanitarian reflection. Results . According to different interpretations of the provisions of sacred Islamic sources, the canonical views of ‘traditional’ and radical Islam differ with regard to the issue of the secular structure of the state. Radicals aim to develop a separatist discourse in Russian society by opposing religion to the secular structure of the state. Discussion and Conclusion . Since the early period of the establishment of the Russian Federation as a democratic state based on the rule of law, the official Muslim clergy of the Republic of Dagestan has been engaged in ideological confrontation with radical currents of Islam. This confrontation is conducted not only over canonical issues, but also with the aim of preventing the planting of an ideology of religious and national intolerance and hostility in Dagestani society. The success of this work depends to a large extent on the effectiveness of State national policy, whether in the course of its implementation nationalist prejudices will be overcome in the minds of citizens and the idea of harmonious coexistence and unity of the Russian peoples will be disseminated.