Mchedlova M.M., Guzelbaeva G.Y. Blurring the Boundaries Between Religious and Non-Religious: An Example of Social Activism of Islamic Charitable Organizations in Kazan. Monitoring of Public Opinion: Economic and Social Changes. 2026. No. 3. Pp. 93–115.

Òåêñò ñòàòüè íà ñàéòå æóðíàëà URL: https://monitoringjournal.ru/index.php/monitoring/article/view/3230 (äàòà îáðàùåíèÿ 29.07.2026)

Abstract

The study focuses on the forms and outcomes of interaction between Islamic charitable structures, the state, and civil society; the modes of intersection and cooperation b-tween religious and non-religious segments of society in practices of socially demanded charitable work; and the phenomenon of social partnership between religious organizations and secular actors, which elevates joint efforts to a new level of socially oriented assistance. Largescale social work, conducted primarily in the public space, is represented by the activities of Islamic non-governmental organizations — the “Yarmam–Pomoshch” (“Yardam–Help”) Foundation and the charitable projects «Center for Social Rehabilitation and Adaptation» and “Priyut Cheloveka” (“Human Shelter”). Their work involves Muslims as well as adherents of other religions and faiths, atheists, and the “non-denominational” as volunteers and patrons. State support and participation in these Islamic projects enable them to secure additional resources and enhance their authority and trustworthiness in the eyes of society, beneficiaries, and donors. The state, in turn, gains a reliable partner and an effective tool for solving social problems, primarily for vulnerable groups. This facilitates the di-fusion of religious, state, and social resources and the consolidation of their activities in public spheres for the common good. The charitable organizations examined in our study exhibit greater flexibility and are capable of providing targeted assistance to those in need, whose integrative effect contributes to their institutionalization in non-religious spheres. The socially relevant work of Islamic charities, in collaboration with state structures, business, and volunteers, fosters social cohesion and strengthens trust between various groups in society. The research design underlying this article includes nine in-depth interviews (conducted May–July 2025) and four focus groups (Au-gust–September 2025). The selection criteria for informants in the in-depth interviews were: work experience within the organization (man-ager, rank-and-file employee, volunteer) and attitude toward religion (the target group comprised believing Muslims, as well as Orthodox Christians and non-religious individuals). Focus groups were conducted among volunteers of the «Human Shelter» organization (three groups) and the Yardam–Pomoshch Foundation (one group). The methodology served to fulfill the article's objective — namely, to reveal the specific forms in which religious meanings manifest in the secular space within the frame-work of social work.