Islam and Politics Islam is believed to be a very ‘political’ religion. It is not overly concerned with the afterlife and seems to be much more concerned with the creation of a just society here and now. –The prophet was a religious, military and political figure at the same time. There is the assumption that there is no separation between Islam and politics, but this is a very problematic assumption.

Islam in contemporary politics Today, there is a widespread association of Islam to terrorism, fanaticism, religious fundamentalism and terror. There is also a different view and both the academic and policy-making worlds are divided on this –B. Lewis: ‘Muslims are raging because their civilisation is not at the top’ and the introduction of religious references in the political arena is dangerous. –J. Piscatori: Muslim manifestations of politics are as broad as any manifestation of liberal-democratic politics.

Starting points – Islam and politics Religions are not only about spirituality, but about politics, economics and social control. The context matters as to how religion is lived and interpreted by believers. –Think Irish Catholicism and its role in the struggle for independence. The main strength of Islam and its crucial virtue is SOCIAL JUSTICE. It is also a goal which requires political action. The methods through which this is pursued depends on external variables. This is one of the reasons why the religion is perceived to be political. This type of social justice promotes group rights rather than individualism. It is here that there is a tension with liberalism. This is the reason why there is a degree of conflict with the international community. –Is liberalism as we know it the natural state for governing societies?

Starting points – Islam and politics Islamic expansion is the product of economic necessity: not many profitable activities in the desert. No intention to convert by the sword. Islam is not about ‘converting’ others. This means that there is an ‘inherent’ tolerance within Islam, which can be accommodated in the political space. When does this tolerance come out? Again it depends on surrounding political and economic circumstances –Concept of the ‘People of the Book.’ Antagonism between Muslims and Jews is due to the establishment of the state of Israel in Anti-Semitic sentiments are a relative novelty across the Muslim world. Political ‘demands’ precede religious language. –Justifications for fighting ‘Jews’ are then produced through selected Koranic readings. There can be no politics without reference to Islam. This is an imperative for rulers and opposition in the Arab world today. Religious legitimacy was always important in Christianity and Judaism as well.

Different Islams, different politics? Islam, much like Christianity, is characterised by widespread internal divisions (i.e. Shia vs. Sunni) Political action is therefore also very different. –From electoral politics to social activism to violence. Islam per se does not support any type of political regime or system of government.