Reflection 3

     One of the topics explored in this week’s reading was the idea of secularism in the MENA region. Arab liberals have a complex relationship with secularism and seem to try and steer away from being labeled as ‘secularist’. In an area so steeped and governed by religion, those who do not conform to the religious beliefs of the people are branded as outsiders and even subject to punishment. The reading suggests that even the word ‘secular’ is still considered dirty in popular discourse. This led me to thinking about how the MENA area would be different if it were to enact a separation between church and state. The theocracy that governs so many, through religion, politics, and culture, doesn’t necessarily seem like the best way to promote democratization. Without separation of church and state, it doesn’t even seem likely that a true democracy could emerge- and the Islamic tradition fails to allow for this separation. I’m aware of the deep significance of religion to cultural beliefs and I know Islam will never be abandoned as a guide by the majority of governments, but I think this separation has the possibility to be beneficial to the region. It would allow for increasing equality among all people and could alter the political sphere. The Compact of Madinah (which established a number of important political principles that formed the political constitution of the first Islamic state based off of the Prophet) is the binding force between Islam and Sharia rule. With a different document outlying political principles attached to no religion, there would be a possibility of secular rule which could create stronger democracies.  

http://www.islamawareness.net/Secularism/secular.html