The study for Ecran de veille reports that 57% of French Muslims aged 15–24 believe sharia should take precedence over French law on issues such as slaughter, marriage and inheritance — a substantial rise from three decades ago. Historian François Kraus calls the trend a 're-Islamisation' driven by younger cohorts; 38% now endorse some 'Islamist' positions. The report also shows big increases in mosque attendance and strict Ramadan fasting, a drop in alcohol use among under-25s, and sharply divided political and religious reactions.
Study: Majority of Young French Muslims Say Sharia Should Supersede French Law
A recent study for Ecran de veille magazine finds that a majority of young Muslims in France believe Islamic law should take precedence over French legislation in key areas such as ritual animal slaughter, marriage and inheritance.
Key findings
Some 57% of French Muslims aged 15–24 told researchers that sharia should outrank French law on certain personal and religious matters, a sharp rise from roughly 36% among 18–24 year-olds about three decades ago. The study's author, historian François Kraus, describes this shift as part of a 'process of re-Islamisation' driven largely by younger generations.
The poll also found that 38% of respondents now sympathize with at least some 'Islamist' positions — about double the proportion recorded in 1998. Mosque attendance has climbed markedly (from 7% in 1989 to around 40% today), strict Ramadan fasting increased from 51% to 83%, and the proportion of young women wearing the veil has nearly tripled. Meanwhile, alcohol consumption among Muslims under 25 fell from nearly 30% in 2011 to about 12% today.
Context and concerns
The study notes that certain sharia provisions conflict with French law, including unequal inheritance rules for women, corporal punishments prescribed for crimes in some interpretations, and stricter limits on sexual freedom and expression. Kraus warns that growing religious rigor can translate into political ambitions to shape communal behaviour according to Islamic precepts.
'This survey very clearly outlines the profile of a Muslim population increasingly structured around rigourist religious norms and tempted by an Islamist political project,' said François Kraus.
Separately, a confidential briefing presented to President Emmanuel Macron warned that some Islamist networks — particularly those linked to the Muslim Brotherhood — may be attempting 'entryism' by seeking influence in schools, associations and local institutions. In July, the government announced plans for stronger measures to counter Islamist influence, including financial penalties and enhanced monitoring of organisations.
Reactions
Responses to the findings were sharply divided. Pierre-Romain Thionnet, a politician from the National Rally, described the trend as 're-Islamisation' and raised concerns about assimilation and social cohesion. Bruno Guillot, a former Salafist imam, argued that Islam and sharia are inseparable. By contrast, Chems-Eddine Mohamed Hafiz, rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris, said the figures also reflect anger and experiences of stigmatisation: an earlier poll found 66% of young French Muslims felt they had been victims of racism.
The study highlights notable behavioural and attitudinal changes among younger Muslims in France but does not alone explain the causes behind them. Observers say the findings raise questions about integration, identity, and policy responses while underlining the need for careful, evidence-based public debate.
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