In this paper it will be examined that Islam is a stumbling block in the way of the secularization process in Syria. Syria is choosen firsty, because many scholars and writers actually claim that Syria is already a secularist country which is a highly controversial and debatable claim. Secondly, because the (political) Islam in Syria does not have the same power it has in other Muslim Arabic countries and this makes Syria a somehow good candidate for becoming a secularist country.
This paper contains four main chapters and it is structured as follows: After the introduction, in the first chapter secularism and secularization is briefly defined and then it will explained why the religion Islam and the (political) Islam cannot be separated. In the second chapter it is presented the point of view which says that Islam is deep inside incompatible with secularism. On the contrary side, namely in the third chapter, it is presented the other point of view which claims that Islam can very well come along with secularism. The fourth chapter will be the conclusion. Furthermore, a connection with Syria based on the content of the chapters will be made at the end of the first and the last chapter.
Table of Contents
Introduction:
1- Syria between Secularism and the (political) Islam:
2- The Islamic Doctrine as the Origin of the Conflict with Secularism:
3- Secularism in the Islamic Doctrine:
4- Conclusion:
Research Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines the extent to which Islam acts as a barrier to the secularization process in Syria, investigating the perceived incompatibility between Islamic doctrine and secularist principles while evaluating the specific socio-political context of the Syrian state.
- Definitions and theoretical distinctions between secularism and secularization.
- The historical and doctrinal interlinkage between the religion of Islam and (political) Islam.
- Analysis of verses and Sharia law regarding their compatibility with secular state structures.
- Evaluation of the Syrian political regime's relationship with religious authority and secularization.
Excerpt from the Book
2- The Islamic Doctrine as the Origin of the Conflict with Secularism:
The Islamic doctrine, as the heart of the religion Islam, was always in the spotlight especially after the beginning of the 21st century and the rapid rise of Islamic terrorism. Consequently, debates and discussions about Islam’s ability to adopt the Western model of modernity, democracy, and secularism have become louder and more essential than ever.
As a matter of fact, Islam has serious problems with secularism; and the Islamic doctrine represented by the Qur’an and the Sunnah makes it too hard for both the Islam and the Muslims to adopt secularism. As for the Qur’an, it contains several verses that are extremely incompatible with secularism. For instance, in Sura 5 / Verse 44 -which was revealed in Medina- the Qur’an says: “…Those who do not judge with what Allah has sent down are the unbelievers” (Qur’an 5:44). This is a verse that demands the application of Allah’s laws that were revealed by him to the Prophet. A verse that clearly contradicts the main principle of secularism about separating religion from the state.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: The author outlines the global context of the perceived conflict between Islam and the West, defining the research focus on Syria's potential for secularization.
1- Syria between Secularism and the (political) Islam: This chapter defines secularism versus secularization and argues for the inherent connection between the Islamic religion and its political manifestation.
2- The Islamic Doctrine as the Origin of the Conflict with Secularism: The author analyzes specific Qur'anic verses and Sharia laws to demonstrate their fundamental incompatibility with secular governance.
3- Secularism in the Islamic Doctrine: The chapter explores the counter-argument that Islamic heritage contains elements compatible with secularism, ultimately finding these arguments insufficient.
4- Conclusion: The author synthesizes the findings to conclude that Islam exerts a significant influence on the Syrian political system, thereby creating a substantial barrier to secularization.
Keywords
Syria, Islam, Political Islam, Secularism, Secularization, Sharia Law, Islamic Doctrine, Qur’an, Governance, Middle East, Modernity, Democracy, Autocracy, Religion and State, Religious Law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper investigates whether Islam constitutes a stumbling block for the secularization process in Syria, given the country's unique socio-political environment.
What are the primary thematic areas explored?
Key themes include the definitions of secularism and secularization, the doctrinal relationship between Islam and political governance, and the specific impact of Islamic law on the Syrian state.
What is the central research question?
The study asks: "Does (political) Islam constitute an obstacle to the secularization process of Syria?"
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The author uses a qualitative, analytical approach, examining primary religious texts (Qur'an, Sunnah), legal frameworks (Syrian Constitution), and existing sociological literature on Islamic political thought.
What does the main body of the work address?
The main body breaks down the theoretical conflicts between Islamic doctrine and secularism, followed by a case study analysis of the Syrian political regime under Hafez and Bashar al-Assad.
Which keywords best characterize the study?
The most relevant keywords include Syria, Secularism, Political Islam, Sharia Law, and Islamic Doctrine.
How does the author define the relationship between Islam and politics in this study?
The author argues that in Islam, religion and political governance are intrinsically linked, suggesting that for true practitioners, striving for an Islamic political system is an inevitable prerequisite of the faith.
How does the author characterize the Syrian regime's stance on secularism?
The author describes the Syrian regime as a dictatorial, autocratic system that deceptively claims secularism while actively using Islam to derive legitimacy and maintain control.
- Quote paper
- Kumai Kokash (Author), 2018, Secularism and Political Islam in Syria. Does (Political) Islam constitute an obstacle to the secularization process of Syria?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/956402
