Why Are Muslim Countries Not Secular?
The question of why Muslim countries are not secular often arises due to the historical and religious context of these nations. This article delves into the underlying reasons behind this phenomenon, including the inherent principles of Islam, historical influences, and socio-political factors.
The Islamic Perspective on Secularism
Islam and Secularism: Contrary to popular belief, Islam is not inherently anti-secular. Many Muslim-majority countries, such as Syria and Lebanon, have had periods of secular governance. However, the journey toward secularism in these nations has not been without challenges. Syria, for example, is a secular country with a predominantly Muslim population, yet it maintains significant religious recognition for its Christian minority, who live harmoniously alongside Muslims.
A Case Study of Iraq: Iraq, which once had a secular government under Saddam Hussein, became increasingly non-secular in the aftermath of foreign intervention, particularly after the 2003 U.S. invasion, leading to the rise of Islamic theocracies.
The Role of Religion in Islam
Single Deity Faith: At its core, Islam is a monotheistic faith that emphasizes the belief in one God, Almighty Allah. This fundamental belief leaves room for people to identify as both religious and secular without a contradiction. Unlike some modern interpretations of secularism which separate religion from state completely, the Islamic tradition does not seek to mandate such a division.
Caliphate and Religious Leadership: Historically, the concept of Caliphate in Islam involved a leader who was both a political and religious figure, embodying the idea that the political and religious realms were not distinctly separate. The term Caliph translates to successor, a role initially filled by Muhammad, who was both a political and religious leader. This historical precedent shows that blending religious and political power is a traditional aspect of Islamic governance.
Illustrative Examples:
Fig.1: An Abbasid Caliph making the sign of Tawhid - the oneness of Allah.
Fig.2: Same gesture, different century.
Fig.3: Pope, the successor of St. Peter, is not a secular ruler.
The Qur’an and Secularism
The Qur’an as a Book of Law: The Qur’an, Islam’s holy book, is not merely a religious text but a comprehensive guide for all aspects of life, from personal to governmental matters. Unlike the New Testament, which records the sermons and miracles of Jesus and his disciples, the Qur’an focuses heavily on law and governance. It provides detailed regulations on how to conduct society, from marriage and taxation to war and domestic issues.
Sharia Law: The concept of Sharia law is often seen as a strict and oppressive system by those who do not understand it fully. However, adhering to Islamic law does not necessarily mean a country is a theocracy. Sharia law requires that the laws of a land align with Islamic legal principles. For Muslims to follow the Qur’an, they are expected to transform their legal system to be in harmony with Qur’anic principles. If this is not possible, Muslims are advised to seek a country where such conditions can be met.
Visual Representation:
Fig.5: ISIS following Qur’an verse 5:38
Historical Context and Contemporary Issues
Islamic Governance in History: The integration of religion and state in Islam has a long history, reaching back to the early days of the Islamic empire. The Prophet Muhammad was both a religious and political leader, blending these two aspects of leadership. The evolution of the Caliphate further solidified this tradition, with subsequent leaders continuing this dual role.
David in Islam: An interesting comparison can be made between the depiction of King David in the Bible and in the Qur’an. The Bible portrays King David as primarily a king with a spiritual advisor, while the Qur’an refers to him as a prophet. This change reflects the Islamic belief in the unity of religious and political leadership.
Modern Implications: While Turkey and Indonesia are notable exceptions, with their respective secular governments, these nations still face challenges in fully separating religion and state. Muslim political parties often strive to introduce legislation that aligns with Qur’anic law, indicating that the integration of religion and politics remains a significant aspect of Islamic governance.
Conclusion
Misconceptions about the inability of Muslim countries to embrace secularism often arise from a lack of understanding of Islamic principles and history. Secularism in the context of Islam is not a black and white issue but rather a nuanced concept. While there are countries that have succeeded in maintaining a separation between religion and state, the inherent nature of Islam, with its emphasis on unity of faith and governance, often makes this a challenging path to follow. Thus, it is the inherent nature of Islam rather than external influences, such as foreign intervention, that must bear the blame for the low number of completely secular Muslim countries.
Fig.6: You guys give Dubya Bush too much credit!