Study Finds Young French Muslims Increasingly Prioritizing Sharia Over Republican Laws

Study Finds Young French Muslims Increasingly Prioritizing Sharia Over Republican Laws
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A new study by the French polling institute IFOP indicates a significant shift among young Muslims in France, with many expressing stronger adherence to Islamic law over the country’s republican principles. Published by Le Figaro, the study highlights a growing religious identity among Muslims aged 15 to 24, reflected in increased mosque attendance, stricter observance of Ramadan, wider adoption of the hijab, rejection of gender mixing, and rising sympathy for Islamist-leaning movements.

According to François Kraus, director of political and current affairs at IFOP, the findings portray a community undergoing a “re-Islamization” shaped by stricter religious norms and a growing attraction to political Islam. The data shows mosque attendance in this age group rising from 7% in 1989 to 40% today, strict fasting during Ramadan increasing from 51% to 83%, and hijab use climbing from 16% to 45%. Additionally, 42% of young Muslims reported sympathy for “Islamist” currents, compared with 19% across all age groups.

The study notes that the Muslim Brotherhood remains the most supported movement, followed by Salafi, Wahhabi and Tablighi groups, while support for jihadist ideologies appears limited. IFOP warns that these trends challenge expectations given the secular discourse traditionally associated with French Muslims.

The report also finds rising religiosity among youth of all faiths in France, though Islamic practice shows the sharpest increase. IFOP estimates Muslims constitute about 7% of the French population and says the deepening religious commitment among younger Muslims may shape future interactions with republican values.