The article examines the evolution of the Muslim community in France in the context of a secular society. The article provides an overview and characteristics of various areas of Islamic identity and major Muslim organizations. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the radicalization of a part of Muslim youth and the formation of Islam as an element of French culture, which causes a certain rejection and division in French society. Keywords: Islam, France, Maghreb countries, integration, religion. The Muslim community in France exists in a secular democracy. France is the only country in the European Union (EU) that proclaims secularism as an official state ideology. At present, relations between the French Republic and religion are regulated by the law on the separation of church and State, which was adopted in 1905. This law, in particular, guarantees freedom of religion, and the state avoids providing material support to any of the faiths. Religion is considered a private matter of citizens, church institutions and clergy exist at the expense of believers. According to chapter I of the Constitution, France "is an indivisible, secular, democratic and social republic" [Constitution francaise.., 2011, p. 3]. However, in accordance with Law No. 2003-2 of 18.03.2003, this chapter was amended to state that "the French Republic respects all beliefs". Explaining the essence of the phenomenon of secularism, Nicolas Sarkozy, President of France from 2007 to 2012, noted that " secularism guarantees the right of every citizen to profess his religion, as well as the right to be an atheist. Secularism is not an enemy of religions. On the contrary, secularism is a guarantee of freedom of conscience for every citizen" [Sarkozy, 2004, p. 16]. This point of view is shared by the current President Francois Hollande, who pointed out during a visit to Tunisia in July 2013 that Islam does not contradict democratic values, which is confirmed by the experience of France. At the s ... Read more