Secularism & Islam

[شمله ور خراساني]

Ruling by Other than the Law of Allaah

by Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih al-Uthaymeen

Taken from ‘al-Qawl al-Mufeed `alaa
Kitaab at-Tawheed’ [2/263-269]
Translation by Abu Rumaysah [Triod Publications]

http://allaahuakbar.net/JIHAAD/rulin...w_of_allah.htm

The following is taken from the Shaykh’s concluding remarks to the hadeeth of `Adee bin Haatim that he heard the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) reciting the verse,
"They (the Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and monks to be their lords besides Allaah."
[at-Tawbah (9): 31]
Upon which I said, "indeed we did not worship them." [The Prophet (SAW)] said, "did they not make unlawful that which Allaah made lawful and so you too did the same? [Did they not] make lawful what Allaah made unlawful and so you too did the same?" I replied, "verily." He said, "this then was the worship of them." Reported by Ahmad and at-Tirmidhee who declared it hasan.
[The following points] are derived from the hadeeth:
That obedience with the meaning of worship is a specific type of uboodiyyah.
Obedience in that which contradicts the Law of Allaah constitutes worship of the one obeyed. As for [obedience] in the worship of Allaah then this is [truly] worship of Allaah.
That following the scholars and servants in that which contradicts the Law of Allaah constitutes taking them as lords [besides Allaah].
Know that following the scholars or leaders in their making lawful what Allaah has made unlawful or the opposite [causes that person] to fall into one of three categories:
That he follows them while being pleased with their opinion and giving it precedence and being displeased with the ruling of Allaah - such a person is a kaafir because he has disliked what Allaah has revealed and as a result Allaah made his actions to be of no avail. No one but a kaafir has his actions rendered futile.
That he follows them while being pleased with the ruling of Allaah, knowing that it is the most ideal and best suited for the servants and the lands. However due to his following his desires he chooses this [other ruling] for example due to his [being offered] a position of responsibility. Such a person is not declared to be a kaafir, rather he is a faasiq.
That he does not know and neither is it possible for him to learn, so he blindly follows them thinking [that what he follows] is the truth. Such a person incurs no blame for he merely follows what he has been commanded and he is excused for this. This is why there occurs from the Messenger of Allaah (SAW) that he said, "indeed whosoever is given a verdict not based upon knowledge then his sin is upon the one who gave him the verdict." If we were to say that this person is sinful due to the error of someone else then this necessarily leads to oppression and difficulty, and no person would trust any other due to the possibility of bearing responsibility for that persons error.
{The hadeeth is reported by Ahmad (2/321, 365), Abu Daawood (4/66), ibn Maajah (1/20), ad-Daarimee (1/53) and al-Haakim (1/126) who said, "saheeh, meeting the conditions of the Two Shaykhs, I know of no defect [in it]." Adh-Dhahabee agreed.}
If it is asked: why are not the second category [of people] declared to be kaafir? I would reply: if we were to say that they are kaafir then this would necessitate the disbelief of every person who commits a sin while knowing that he has disobeyed Allaah and knows that [what he has contradicted] is the ruling of Allaah.
A Benefit:
Allaah has described those who do not rule by what Allaah has revealed with three descriptions:
"Whosoever does not rule by what Allaah has revealed then they are the disbelievers [kaafiroon]."
"Whosoever does not rule by what Allaah has revealed then they are the oppressors [dhaalimoon]"
"Whosoever does not rule by what Allaah has revealed then they are the sinners [faasiqoon]."
The People of Knowledge have differed concerning this. So it is opined that these descriptions in fact describe one and the same thing because the kaafir is a dhaalim due to the saying of Allaah,
"And the disbelievers are the oppressors." [al-Baqarah (2): 254]
[Similarly the kaafir] is a faasiq due to the saying of Allaah,
"As for the sinners then their abode will be the Fire…" [as-Sajdah (32): 20]
It is also opined that these are distinct descriptions and that they are [applied] in accordance to the situation:
So [one] becomes a kaafir in three circumstances
When he believes that it is permissible to rule by other than what Allaah has revealed. The evidence for this lies in the saying of Allaah,
"So is it the rule of Jaahiliyyah (ignorance) that they seek?" [al-Maa`idah 5: 50]
Everything that opposes the rule of Allaah constitutes the rule of Jaahiliyyah. [Also the evidence for this] is the definitive consensus that it is not allowed to rule by other then what Allaah has revealed. Therefore the one who considers it lawful and permissible to rule by other then what Allaah has revealed has contradicted this definitive consensus and such a person is a kaafir and an apostate. This [is similar to the case of one] who considers fornication or alcohol to be permissible or considers bread or milk to be unlawful.
When he believes that ruling by other then what Allaah revealed is equivalent to ruling by the rule of Allaah.
When he believes that ruling by other then what Allaah revealed is better than ruling by what Allaah has revealed. The evidence for this lies in the saying of Allaah,
"And who is better than Allaah in judgement for a people who have certainty?" [al-Maa`idah 5: 50]
So this verse states that the ruling of Allaah is the best of rulings as is further proven by the saying of Allaah, endorsing this,
"Is Allaah not the best of judges?" [at-Teen 95: 8]
So when Allaah is the best of the judges in ruling and He is the most just of the rulers then whosoever claims that the rule of other than Allaah is equivalent or better than the rule of Allaah is a kaafir because he has denied the Qur`aan.
[One] becomes a dhaalim
When he believes that ruling by what Allaah has revealed is the best of judgements and the most beneficial for the servants and the lands and that it is obligatory to apply it. However hatred and jealousy lead him to rule by other than what Allaah revealed over his subjects - such a person is a dhaalim.
[One] becomes a faasiq
When he follows his own desires. For example he rules in favour of a person due to being bribed by him, or due to his being a close relative or friend, or [because the ruler] seeks the fulfillment of a need from his comrades or the likes. This along with the belief that the rule of Allaah is the ideal and it is obligatory to follow it - such a person is a faasiq. Even though he is also a dhaalim, describing him as a faasiq is more befitting.
The strongest opinion is the second that these descriptions are distinct and that they are [applied] in accordance to the situation.
As regards the one who lays down legislative laws, despite his knowing the judgement of Allaah and that these laws are contrary to Allaah’s judgement - then this person has substituted these laws in place of the Sharee`ah. Therefore he is a kaafir - this because he does not choose these laws and turn away from Allaah’s Sharee`ah except due to his belief that they are better for the people and the land than the law of Allaah. But when we say that he is a kaafir, then the meaning of this is that this action leads to disbelief.
However the one who [legislates these rules] may have an excuse - for example he may be one who has been deluded: such that it has been said to him that this does not conflict with Islaam, or that it is something allowable as a case of benefiting the people (masaalih al-mursala), or that it is something that Islaam has left up to the [custom of] the people.
So there are some scholars - even though they are in error - who say that social transaction (mu`aamalaat) is something not dealt with by Islaam, and that rather it is referred to whatever is found to benefit the economy in each particular time. So if the situation requires us to establish usury banks or to tax the people then there is no problem with this.
There is no doubt concerning the error of [such a claim]. So if these people performed ijtihaad then may Allaah forgive them. Otherwise they are in a situation of very great danger and it is befitting that they are entitled ‘scholars of the state’ and not ‘scholars of the Religion.’…




SOurce: AbdurRahman.org <Ruling by other than the rule of Allah>

[شمله ور خراساني]

Kufr (Disbelief)

Twenty-five Acts of Kufr That Nullify One's Islam

According to Quran and Sunnah

http://muttaqun.com/

Imaan an-Nawawi said in "Kitaab ur-Riddah" (The Book of Apostasy) regarding kufr, "It is the cutting off of Islaam. This occurs sometimes by a statement which constitutes kufr, and sometimes by an act. And the actions which necessitate kufr (that expel from the religion) are those which are performed deliberately, and mocking the religion is clear [in this regard], such as prostrating to an idol or to the sun, or throwing the Qur'an into filth, and the magic which involves worshipping the sun and other such acts." [Rawdat ut-Taalibeen (7/284-283)]
There are certain factors which nullify Islam. Not all acts of kuf (disbelief) will do so, but the following are such grievous acts, that they change the status of a Muslim (believer) to a disbeliever.

1. Calling on other than Allah such as the Prophets or saints, the dead or alive but absent. Allah the Exalted says: "And invoke not besides Allâh, any that will neither profit you, nor hurt you, but if (in case) you did so, you shall certainly be one of the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers)." [10:106]
The Prophet (saw) also said in this respect:
"Whoever dies while calling on an (so-called) associate-god besides Allah will enter Hell." [Bukhari]
2. Dislike and unwillingness of the heart to accept the Oneness of Allah and to seek help of Him Alone as opposed to the delight when calling on a Prophet or a pious man, the dead or alive but absent, Allah the Exalted says: "And when Allâh Alone is mentioned, the hearts of those who believe not in the Hereafter are filled with disgust (from the Oneness of Allâh (swt) and when those (whom they obey or worship) besides Him [like all false deities other than Allâh, it may be a Messenger like 'Iesa (Jesus) * son of Maryam (Mary), 'Uzair (Ezra), an angel, a pious man, a jinn, or any other creature even idols, graves of religious people, saints, priests, monks, etc.] are mentioned, behold, they rejoice!" [39:45]
This verse also condemns those who hate monotheists and call them Wahabi since Wahabism emphasizes monotheism.
3. Slaughtering in the name of a Prophet or a pious man (saint). Allah the Exalted says: "Therefore turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him only)." [108:2]
The Prophet (saw) said:
"Allah has cursed those who slaughter in the name of other than Allah." (Muslim)
4. Vowing to any creation with a view to seeking access to him or worshipping him. Vows should be made exclusively to Allah. Allah the Exalted said: (Remember) when the wife of 'Imrân said: "O my Lord! I have vowed to You what (the child that) is in my womb to be dedicated for Your services (free from all worldly work; to serve Your Place of worship), so accept this, from me. Verily, You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knowing." [3:35]
5. Circumambulation of graves as an act of worship. It is to be performed for Allah alone in the Holy Ka'bah. Allah the Exalted says: "Then let them complete the prescribed duties (Manâsik of Hajj) for them, and perform their vows, and circumambulate the Ancient House (the Ka'bah at Makkah)." [22:29]
6. Depending on or putting trust in other than Allah. Allah the Exalted says: And Mûsa (Moses) said: "O my people! If you have believed in Allâh, then put your trust in Him if you are Muslims (those who submit to Allâh's Will)." [10:84]
7. Bowing or prostration before a king or great personalities, living or dead, with an intention of worshipping them. But if one is ignorant, his case is different. Bowing and prostration are acts of worship for Allah alone. 8. Denying any of the pillars of Islam: Prayer, Hajj, Zakat etc. or the denial of the pillars of Faith (Iman) is also a nullifier of Islam. Denial of anything known to be something of Islam also falls into this type of nullifier. 9. Hatred for Islam or one of its doctrines - on which Islamic scholars have consensus - like the acts of worship, economy morality or transactions. Allah the Exalted says: "That is because they hate that which Allâh has sent down (this Qur'ân and Islâmic laws, etc.), so He has made their deeds fruitless." [47:9]
10. Joking about the Qur'an or something relevant to the Sunnah (authentic Hadith) or any Islamic ruling agreed upon by the scholars. Allah the Exalted says: If you ask them (about this), they declare: "We were only talking idly and joking." Say: "Was it at Allâh (swt), and His Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and His Messenger (SAW) that you were mocking?"
Make no excuse; you have disbelieved after you had believed. If We pardon some of you, We will punish others amongst you because they were Mujrimûn (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, criminals, etc.). [9:65,66]
11. Denying some part of the Qur'an or Sunnah amounts to apostasy if it is with knowledge and not with dubiety. 12. Reviling Allah or the Prophet or cursing the religion or criticizing Allah or the Prophet (saw)- all of them amount to blasphemy. 13. Denying to Allah any of His Supreme Names, Attributes or Actions proved by the Qur'an and Sunnah, provided it is not due to ignorance or interpretation. 14. Nonbelief in any of the Messengers of Allah: The Messenger (Muhammad SAW) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allâh, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. They say, "We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers" - and they say, "We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your Forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return (of all)." [2:285]
15. Judging by other than what Allah has revealed on the assumption that the rule of Islam is unfit or non-Islamic rule is permissible. Allah the Exalted says: "...And whosoever does not judge by what Allâh has revealed, such are the Kâfirûn (i.e. disbelievers - of a lesser degree as they do not act on Allâh's Laws)." [5:44]
16. Referring to any authority other than Islam for judgement or being dissatisfied with the decision of Islam. Allah the Exalted says: "But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad SAW) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission." [4:65]
17. Recognizing other than Allah as source of legislation such as parliaments, democracy etc. The Noble Qur'an says: "Or have they partners with Allâh (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allâh has not allowed. And had it not been for a decisive Word (gone forth already), the matter would have been judged between them. And verily, for the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers), there is a painful torment." [42:21]
18. Forbidding what Allah has made Halal (lawful) or permitting what He has made Haram (unlawful) as adultery, usury or liquor is made lawful absolutely. Making Halal or Haram is an act of Allah alone. The Qur'an says: "Those who eat Ribâ (usury) will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaitân (Satan) leading him to insanity. That is because they say: "Trading is only like Ribâ (usury)," whereas Allâh has permitted trading and forbidden Ribâ (usury). So whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating Ribâ (usury) shall not be punished for the past; his case is for Allâh (to judge); but whoever returns [to Ribâ (usury)], such are the dwellers of the Fire - they will abide therein." [2:275]
19. Belief in man-made destructive ideologies such as atheistic communism, Jewish masonry, Marxian socialism, secularism or nationalism which prefers a non-Muslim Arab to a Muslim non-Arab. Allah the Exalted says: "And whoever seeks a religion other than Islâm, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers." [3:85]
20. Changing or abandoning Islam for any other religion. Allah the Exalted says: "...And whosoever of you turns back from his religion and dies as a disbeliever, then his deeds will be lost in this life and in the Hereafter, and they will be the dwellers of the Fire. They will abide therein forever." [2:217]
"Whoever apostatizes from Islam should be killed." (Bukhari)
21. Assisting the Jews, Christians or the communists against Muslims and cooperating with them. Allah the Exalted says: "Let not the believers take the disbelievers as Auliyâ (supporters, helpers, etc.) instead of the believers, and whoever does that will never be helped by Allâh in any way, except if you indeed fear a danger from them. And Allâh warns you against Himself (His Punishment), and to Allâh is the final return." [3:28]
22. Not considering the communists or infidels who deny Allah's existence or the Jews and Christians who disbelieve in Muhammad (saw). Allah the Exalted says: "Verily, those who disbelieve (in the religion of Islâm, the Qur'ân and Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) from among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) and Al-Mushrikûn will abide in the Fire of Hell. They are the worst of creatures." [98:6]
23. The belief of some Sufis that there is no dichotomy between Allah and the universe (Monism) and that everything is Allah (Pantheism). Their leader Al-Hallaj who was condemned by the scholars and accordingly executed centruies ago said: Allah is I and I am Allah.
24. Separating the [Islamic] state from the religion and saying that there is no politics in Islam. Such a belief denies the Qur'an and the Sunnah and the life of the Prophet (saw). 25. Some Sufis believe that Allah has handed over the keys of the affairs of the universe to some of the Auliya (friends of Allah) whom they call Aqtab. This is a Shirk in the Actions of Allah. "To Him belong the keys of the heavens and the earth. And those who disbelieve in the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh, such are they who will be the losers." [39:63]

These invalidators are just like the nullifiers of ablution (Wudu). If a Muslim does any of them, he has to renew his Faith by Taubah (repentance [demonstrated by actions] and abandonment of such a nullifier coupled with returning the rights of the oppressed or if that is not possible, an act to equally recompensate for it). If one remains in this state of kuf and dies before he repents, all his deeds shall be nullified and Hell will be his abode in the Hereafter. Allah the Exalted says:
And indeed it has been revealed to you (O Muhammad SAW), as it was to those (Allâh's Messengers) before you: "If you join others in worship with Allâh, (then) surely (all) your deeds will be in vain, and you will certainly be among the losers." [39:65]

Hadith - Sahih Bukhari 8.800B, Narrated Ikrima from Ibn Abbas, r.a.
Allah's Apostle said, "When a slave (of Allah) commits illegal sexual intercourse, he is not a believer at the time of committing it; and if he steals, he is not a believer at the time of stealing; and if he drinks an alcoholic drink, when he is not a believer at the time of drinking it; and he is not a believer when he commits a murder." 'Ikrima said: I asked Ibn Abbas, "How is faith taken away from him?" He said, Like this," by clasping his hands and then separating them, and added, "But if he repents, faith returns to him like this," by clasping his hands again.
The Prophet (saw) also taught us to say the following:
"O Allah! We take refuge with You from any Shirk that we know and seek Your forgiveness for any Shirk that we would not know." (Ahmad)

Action Items for the Muttaqun:

• Educate yourself about shirk in its many forms and do not engage in it.
• Do not turn your Muslim brother over to the non-Muslims or contribute to it in any way. Take your complaint first to Allah. Then deal with the Muslim leaders to consult with Islamic Law to address issues between Muslims.
• Be sincere in your Taubah (prayer of repentance) and remember that the Taubah is not sincere nor complete if you do not turn away from the evil deed and then take actions of reparation with the offended Muslim.

[BehavedMaseed]

The very big difference between Islam and Secularism is that in Secularism you wont be flogged in public in 6ft deep hole, you wont have walls collapsing on you and you wont be killed if you choose another faith of your interest. In Secular society, decisons are made through logic not supersitous magic such as shooting stars being arrows.

In Secular society you wont be judged on your faith but on your contribution to society, in a secular society, relgionous bloodshed is limited to a few ranting mullahs and preists but no mobs or lynch mobs burning down peoples houses suspected of being witches.

Kind Regards

Kind Regards

[شمله ور خراساني]

The Jews and christians took their Rabbis and Monks as their rulers. ANd the Jews and Christians allowed their monks and rabbis to decide what is lawful and what is unlawful. Contradicting the scriptures.

Today, Muslims choose their Mullah's and political idols to decide what is lawful and what is unlawful contradicting the scripture.

When FazelHAmid Shinwari or Sayyaf sits in the Afghan Parliament with Basir Ranjbar and other communists and make laws that contradict Quran & sunnah, they have clearly opposed Allah and his religion.

For us to support such a system where criminals and thieves make laws for us, is a grave sin.

[شمله ور خراساني]

The very big difference between Islam and Secularism is that in Secularism you wont be flogged in public in 6ft deep hole, you wont have walls collapsing on you and you wont be killed if you choose another faith of your interest. In Secular society, decisons are made through logic not supersitous magic such as shooting stars being arrows.

In Secular society you wont be judged on your faith but on your contribution to society, in a secular society, relgionous bloodshed is limited to a few ranting mullahs and preists but no mobs or lynch mobs burning down peoples houses suspected of being witches.

Kind Regards

Kind Regards

Yes, and all of that is kufr. ANd therefore contradictory to Islam. And therefore who ever prefers secularism over Islam has disbelieved.

[شمله ور خراساني]

^

A good example of secularist governments and their ideology and lack of morals is the Abu Ghraib, Bagram and other CIA torture prisons around the world. Enough said.

Hitler and Mussolini were secularists. Stalin and Mao were secularists.

[BehavedMaseed]

^

A good example of secularist governments and their ideology and lack of morals is the Abu Ghraib, Bagram and other CIA torture prisons around the world. Enough said.

what about the torture cells in saudi Arabia

What about the innocent girls fleeing a burning school being locked in and roasted by the blazing fires becos their burqa was not on?

What about the prisons cells operated by Islamists that torture and behead opponents?

Atleast those in abu gharib, bagram and gitmo have meda attention and many in the secular world protest against it while not a singe Muslim has protested against suicide bombing and nor has protested against Muslims torturing innocent people and calling for the death of those who left the faith(fatwas, Iran,Saudi Arabia).

Before you speak ill about toture cells, please take a good look at the way Muslims torture relgionous minorities, take saudi arabia for example, a christian cant even visit the holy kabah but christiain nations allow you to build your mosques openly and freely.

Kind Regards

[BehavedMaseed]

lol yeah, the real role models and father figures of secularism gone wrong.

When there is no moral framework and to judge right from wrong no wonder even the most henious crimes like Holoucast can be rationalized and justified.

The King of Saud Isnt a Secularist

Bin Laden isnt a Secularist

so what is your point?

Abu Izzadeen isnt a Secularist

Anjum Chunadry isnt a Secularist

Zia Ul haq isnt a Secularist

So whats your point?

As I said if Secularists banned Islam in Europe you guys dont really need to care because christianity and judaism is banned in your holy capital median.mecca saudi arabia

[شمله ور خراساني]

lol yeah, the real role models and father figures of secularism gone wrong.

When there is no moral framework and to judge right from wrong no wonder even the most henious crimes like Holoucast can be rationalized and justified.

The Western secular constitutions are inspired by people like Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant and Machiavelli.

The most prominent ideologues of the modern liberal societies were Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau. The three of them advocated for the institution of a law-giver. THey even mentioned a prophet in their writings as a law-giver.

These secularists argue that we should adopt the Western ideologies to imrpove our society.

But the founders of these societies were in favor of a law-giver. We can have a social contract with Quran and Sunnah.

I dont understand the objection of these people.

[شمله ور خراساني]

The King of Saud Isnt a Secularist

Bin Laden isnt a Secularist

so what is your point?

Abu Izzadeen isnt a Secularist

Anjum Chunadry isnt a Secularist

Zia Ul haq isnt a Secularist

So whats your point?

As I said if Secularists banned Islam in Europe you guys dont really need to care because christianity and judaism is banned in your holy capital median.mecca saudi arabia

Actually, Abdullah the Saudi king is secular. He makes laws against Quran and sunnah. This is why people oppose his regime.

And as I have explained here, Zia Ul Haq used Islam to give Pakistan a collective identity which it was lacking.

[BehavedMaseed]

Well, since we both live in a Secular Society I find it very arrogant of you to insult Secularism. Since you left your old habits with protected from your Secular enviroment, under Islamic Law you wouldnt have been here with us right now.

Islamic world is yet to leave this phases of Islamic Laws just as the christians did and look at them and compare to Muslim world? In Pakistan a christian was slaughtered and his whole village was burnt to the ground because he said a few things about the Prophet, and as usual and taught by Islam the gang menality was followed and the Muslims produced a mob of angry people and targetted a whole innocent community of christians.

If this happened in a Secular Western country, Muslims would pull out the Islamophobia card to hide their own deluded views from the Public. Its only a matter of time once the petrol dollars are gone we will see how long this ideology of islam lasts.

Muslims in Muslim countries are already choosing Secularism over Relgion, These are signs of a peaceful and tolarant(Relgionous sense) world instead of being told by bukhari to slaughter jews and stones will talk to you for the day of judgement to start.

Interview with Soheib Bencheikh
Islam and Secularism



Soheib Bencheikh is the Grand Mufti of Marseille, France. In this interview, Bencheikh argues in favour of the headscarf ban and says that, because of secularism, Islam enjoys equal rights and duties in a traditionally catholic environment

| Bild:
Soheib Bencheikh, Grand Mufti of Marseille | To know how the Muslim community adjusts in a state upholding secularist values like France, Liberal Islam Network (JIL) interviewed Soheib Bencheikh, Grand Mufti of Marseille France, who visited Jakarta to talk about "Islam’s contribution in structuring the plural world" in an international seminar held by Francophonie, Switzerland Embassy and International Centre for Islam and Pluralism (ICIP).

Do the Muslims in France, particularly in Marseille, need a mufti?

Soheib Bencheikh: Firstly, I assert that Islam does not recognize the clerical system. However, imam and mufti are not clerics but guardians and mentors who attempt to give light to the believers, without forcing and judging them. France attempts to pay attention to and organize the Muslim society, since Islam is the second major religion in the country. In this context, in 1995 I was installed as a mufti in Marseille after completing my study at the Sorbonne University.

France is a secular country who strictly endorses the laïcité rule. Do Muslims have any trouble living in such a country?

Bencheikh: Outside of France, particularly in Muslim countries, secularism is perceived as infidelity and atheism. Hence, they consider Islam to have no future in France. Yet, without secularism that is no administrative neutrality ("hiyâdatul idârah") to regulate a country, we will be overwhelmed. Secularism is not anti-religion, but also not for religion.

So, you define secularism as administrative neutrality?

Bencheikh: It is a constitutional interpretation for laïcité in
Your Opinion
Do you think that secularism poses a threat to Islam?
Please write to us!

France. I have to emphasize that due to secularism, Islam can stand equally with Catholics in rights and duties. Besides, we have no other way to regulate a national life except through democracy or majority rule. Our dilemma is that currently Muslims appear dangerous. People are afraid of Islam due to a few people’s attitude of terror in the name of Islam. Fortunately, due to secularism and human rights, Muslims can be relieved.

Many Muslims have a negative image about secularism. Could you imagine that there will be harmonization between Islam and secularism?

Bencheikh: If secularism is interpreted as state neutrality to regulate a country, it will not be a problem for Muslims. On the contrary, the separation between religion and politics will clarify Islam as a divine spiritual doctrine, not as an instrument which (can) be misused to gain the power. Moreover, due to that, Islam can return its original formulation, meaning it will return as the promoted teaching ("yu’radl") not as a forced teaching ("yufradl") – as the Koran affirms – "Anyone who will believe may believe, and anyone who will be an infidel may be an infidel!"

You said that secularism could return the original formula of Islam in regulating political power. Is the original formulation of Islam closer to secularism?

Bencheikh: We have to realize that most of Islamic schools in "fikh" (Islamic jurisprudence), "tafseer" (Koran interpretation) or theology, developed outside of political rule. Muslims – as we read through history – were free to determine any schools they wanted in the beginning. Assimilation between religion and politics in Islam is a new phenomenon – which to me is hazardous for Islam, mainly when it is utilized as instrument to gain the ruling position by parties, or when it is utilized to legitimate the power of a regime.

You said that assimilation between Islam and politics is a new phenomenon. Since when?

Bencheikh: It started from the first half of the twentieth century, when political parties based on religion were established to pursue political contestation to gain power. In this context, we can mention the emergence of "Ikhwan al-Muslimin" (Muslim Brethren) in Egypt as an example.

Is it due to the contribution of Islamic ideologists such as the views of Muslim Brethren figures, especially Sayyed Qutb?

Bencheikh: Sayyed Quthb went too far when he conveyed his radical notions in his book, "Ma’âlim fi-t-Tarîq", particularly in terms of his views of twentieth century "jahiliyah" (ignorance), God’s judgment, and the ruler’s infidelity.

Do Muslims in France feel that assimilation with the French culture will threaten their Islamic identity?

Bencheikh: When we read through history, we will find that Islam always interacts with many cultures. In addition, secularism implemented in France is a form of neutrality. It is pure neutrality. We can interact with the French culture that has a background of Catholicism, while holding on to our own spirituality and Islamic values.

Are those values threatened by French secularism?

Bencheikh: Not at all. It is a challenge we must respond to. Can Islam survive without political rule defending it like in Muslim countries? If Islam is perceived as a satisfying religion, the rising light, it will never need power to force people if it is superior. It will survive as values, norms and ideals of life, and should not be forced upon others.

However, the demonstration against the ban of religious attire in French public schools confirms that there were problems between Islamic identity and the equality principle of laïcité.

Bencheikh: On the contrary, the demonstration on the ban of religious attire indicates that French people are autonomous and free. Moreover, the demonstrators are a minority of Muslims in France. Most Muslims in France agree with the decision, since they observe that extremity is a threat to their future in France. The ruling attempts to hide religious symbols in public schools. Actually, the Catholic majority has more right to strike than Muslims, since they are also affected by the ban. Nevertheless, they have not.

You have written a book called Marianne and Prophet: Islam within laïcité. What is it about?

Bencheikh: It is a study of law and philosophy so that Islam can find its place in this new climate, and so that it can get the answers that can never be found within our classical literatures.

Like what?

Bencheikh: Muslims find themselves a minority in a neutral country that is not a Catholic country since it is secular and has no religion at all. With the minority status, it is impossible to endorse "fikh" (Islamic jurisprudence). Hence, we have to find a new "fikh" or notions about "fikh" that are compatible with our condition as the minority within a neutral country. These all are new to Islamic literatures. That is my endeavour in the book.

Interview conducted by Novriantoni, Liberal Islam Network, 04/2004

http://www.qantara.de/webcom/show_ar..._nr-130/i.html

[akbarkhan]

The King of Saud Isnt a Secularist

Bin Laden isnt a Secularist

so what is your point?

Abu Izzadeen isnt a Secularist

Anjum Chunadry isnt a Secularist

Zia Ul haq isnt a Secularist

So whats your point?

As I said if Secularists banned Islam in Europe you guys dont really need to care because christianity and judaism is banned in your holy capital median.mecca saudi arabia

Don't forget to hail mary the virteous secularists who run porn theaters in 'Khyber Pakhtunkhwa'.

[BehavedMaseed]

Maseed khana, ironically the saudi torture cells have the full blessing of their secularist American masters.

That is the double standard of secularism that it can justify and rationalize torture because they lack moral framework and they design their moral framework according to their own freewill so anything which will give them upperhand and victory can used.

Islam give minorities their rights but if secularist supported govenment of muslim countries discriminiate against them then its the fault of those leaders and their secular masters. Muslims have done shameful things and they must be condemned as well. The law shouldn't discrimiate and anyone being tortured wrongly should be compensated.

The sad thing is that these secular countries support the most violant and authoritarian regimes on earth like Egypt's Husni Mubarak and sadui royal family who are both proudly supported by western secular nations.

The hypocracy of these secular governments is astounding and shameful to say the least.

What rights does Islam give to relgionous minorities?

To pay a tax to be non muslim? how is this called equality, if in the west they put taxes on muslims only wud you like this?

Secondly what rights do Muslims give to relgionous minroties when they cant even build their own places of worship but Muslims in the west who live in Secular countries are allowed to build their own places of worship?

and Saudi Arabia follows Shariat laws and most of those they torture is due to threats towards their wahabism.

Why cant a Christian nor a Jew build their relgionous buildng in a Muslim land but Muslims can do it on there land? You see Secularism can resolve such things.

[akbarkhan]

Why cant a Christian nor a Jew build their relgionous buildng in a Muslim land but Muslims can do it on there land? You see Secularism can resolve such things.

Don't worry about Christians and Jews, if you declared your stance in your own village publicly right now they won't let your build anything but a gravestone.

[BehavedMaseed]

Don't forget to hail mary the virteous secularists who run porn theaters in 'Khyber Pakhtunkhwa'.

I hear Many Mullahs enjoy young boys when they practice wurkibaztub.

Just because I support secularism doesnt mean I support the porno industry. You are just being arrogant.

I would rather follow Secularism then be told to slaughter jews and be guided by stones for the day of judgement to come, I would rather be a secularist then be told that I will have 72 virigns and little boys to play with.

I would rather be a Secularist and stick to my region only then be told that to spread Islam by force of the sword and quran and do offensive jihad.

Before you insult Secularism, please tell us all why most of you guys actually live in a secular country and feel safe and protected than being in some backward Muslim country?

Kind Regards