Istanbul: The French Council of the Muslim Faith issued a strong response to a new Ifop survey on Muslims in France. The council said the poll promotes stigma and deepens an already tense climate shaped by rising Islamophobia. The survey was commissioned by a media outlet and claimed to assess the relationship between Muslims, Islam, and Islamism.
The council said the framing of the poll guided readers toward suspicion. It said the presentation encouraged the idea of Muslims as a threat to the country. The council added that some groups had already used parts of the survey to support anti Muslim narratives.
CFCM leaders said the poll conflicts with claims often made by far right groups. They noted that Muslims form less than 7 percent of the French population. They said this figure exposes the false premise behind the great replacement theory. The council also described several methodological issues in the survey. It said these issues weaken its scientific value and create distorted conclusions.
The council responded to the survey’s claim that young Muslims are more strict or more radical. It said differences in responses between generations reflect common biases in self reporting. Older respondents often understate their level of practice. Younger respondents might overstate their practice due to increased pressure and scrutiny in public debate.
The council highlighted data inconsistencies. It said the survey’s figure of two million people attending Friday prayers does not align with mosque capacity, which it estimated at under five hundred thousand. CFCM leaders also rejected any effort to frame French law as being in conflict with Islamic practice. They said ritual slaughter is legal and followed by both Muslims and Jews.
The council urged greater care when publishing surveys on faith related issues. It said such work requires responsible methods and balanced interpretations.
