Synopsis of: “Islam, Sekularisme dan Demokrasi Liberal: Membentuk Teori Demokrasi Untuk Masyasrakat Muslim”

Synopsis of:

“Islam, Sekularisme dan Demokrasi Liberal: Membentuk Teori Demokrasi Untuk Masyasrakat Muslim”
A translation of “Islam, Secularism and Liberal Democracy: Toward A Democratic Theory for Muslim Society”

 

This book analyzes the relationship between religion, secularism, and liberal democracy—historically, theoretically, and in the context of the contemporary Muslim world. The central issue is: liberal democracy requires a form of secularism, yet simultaneously the main cultural and intellectual resources that Muslim democrats can draw upon are religious. A paradox, therefore, confronts the democratic theorist.

In the Malay translation of “Islam, Secularism and Liberal Democracy”, Nader Hashemi challenges the widely held belief among social scientists that religious politics and liberal-democratic development are structurally incompatible. This revised doctoral dissertation argues for fundamental rethinking of democratic theory so that it incorporates the variable of religion in the development of liberal democracy. In the process, it proves that an indigenous theory of Muslim secularism is not only possible, but is a necessary requirement for the advancement of liberal democracy in Muslim societies. Although this book was written in style that suits the Western students, academics and intellectuals, the issue at hand is indeed pivotal for Muslim themselves and very relevant to be discuss within their own community.

Three key arguments are advanced: First is, in societies where religion is a key marker of identity, the road to liberal democracy must traverse the gates of religious politics. Secondly, while liberal democracy requires secularism, religious traditions are not born with an inherent secular conception of politics. These ideas must be socially constructed. Finally, an intimate relationship exists between religious reformation and political development. While the first often precedes the second, the processes are interlinked. Democratization does not require a privatization of religion but it does require a reinterpretation of religious ideas that are conducive to liberal democracy. By engaging in this reinterpretation, religious groups can play an important role in the development and consolidation of democracy.

Overall, this book argues for a rethinking of democratic theory so that it incorporates the variable of religion in the development and social construction of liberal democracy.

 

Softcover: 434 pages
Publisher: Islamic Renaissance Front (July, 2016)
Language : Malay
ISBN: 978-967-10992-5-4
Product Dimensions : 6′ x 8′ x 0.8′

See more at: https://irfront.net/books/

This book is available at Gerakbudaya

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