This paper tackles the relationship between Islam and the state in light of the ongoing revolutions. It focuses on two perspectives: the Islamists' claim that the Shari'a and not the umma (community) are the source of legitimacy in the evolving regimes; and that it is the duty of the state to protect religion and apply the Shari'a. The main disadvantage of these propositions is that they preclude the Umma both from political power and Shari'a, thus pitting it against these two assets which become manipulated to its disadvantage by those holding power. On the other hand, an open-minded and reformist Islamic perspective believes in people regaining the prerogative to rule themselves, guided by their intellect and the public good. The main call for the Arab uprisings is to quit political Islam, which seems to be the major threat to religion, and dangerously divisive for societies.
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July 2013
Research Article|
July 01 2013
State and religion in a revolutionary era: perspectives and demands of the Islamic awakening†
Ridwan Al-Sayyid
Ridwan Al-Sayyid
*
Islamic Studies, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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†
This paper was originally presented at the Symposium on Religion and the State in the Arab World, convened by the Centre for Arab Unity Studies (CAUS) and the Swedish Institute of Alexandria in Al-Hammamaat, Tunisia, October 2012.
*
Email: rwafsayed@yahoo.com
Contemporary Arab Affairs (2013) 6 (3): 325–340.
Citation
Ridwan Al-Sayyid; State and religion in a revolutionary era: perspectives and demands of the Islamic awakening. Contemporary Arab Affairs 1 July 2013; 6 (3): 325–340. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/17550912.2013.799732
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