Can Muslims Live Under Secular Governments? A Refutation of Islamist Arguments – Part 2

By Grace Mubashir, New Age Islam 8 February 2025 While Islamists are of the opinion that secularism is in conflict with Islam and that Muslims should establish an Islamic state based on the Laws of Shariah, a strong corpus of Islamic scholarship exists to establish that Muslims can live peacefully under secular governments without necessarily compromising their religious identity. The article will prove wrongly argued claims against secularism and point out that Islam has no theological requirement of a theocratic state. 1. Islam as a Complete Way of Life – Does It Require an Islamic Government? The Islamist Argument Islamists insist that Islam is not a religion, but a way of life that encompasses politics, law, and governance. In their estimation, this comprehensive nature of Islam is opposed to secularism, which separates religion from politics. The Refutation While Islam does offer guidelines on most matters affecting human life, it does not prescribe a particular form of government. The Quran is more concerned with faith, good conduct, and justice at a personal level than with details of political organization. The Islamic scholar Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl says: The Quran lays down broad moral and ethical principles but does not demand a specific form of government. What matters is justice, good governance, and the welfare of the people." Abou El Fadl, Islam and the Challenge of Democracy The Quran itself emphasizes justice rather than a particular political system: Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice." (Surah An-Nisa 4:58) This verse does not say anything about an Islamic government but rather ordains justice in government, which may be possible under a secular government. Further, Imam Abu Hanifa, considered one of the greatest scholars in Sunni Islam, did not recommend any particular form of political setup; instead, he worked more on legal and ethical guidelines toward justice. What is important about his approach was that it granted flexibility in governance to show that secular governments may also be valid provided they do justice. 2. Sovereignty Belongs to Allah – Does This Mean Human-Made Laws Are Invalid? The Islamist Argument Islamists believe that sovereignty is exclusively for Allah, and laws made by human beings run counter to divine authority. They quote verses such as: "The rule (hukm) is for none but Allah." (Surah Yusuf 12:40) The Refutation This argument completely misunderstands the role of human agency in governance. While divine sovereignty is absolute in a theological sense, practical governance requires human interpretation and implementation of laws. Even in historical Islamic governance, rulers and scholars made legal decisions based on reasoning (ijtihad). Islamic scholar Dr. Abdullah Saeed says: It is unrealistic to think that every law has to be directly taken from the Quran and Hadith. The Islamic tradition allows human reasoning to create laws that serve justice and public welfare. (Islamic Thought: An Introduction) The Quran itself encourages consultation and decision-making among people: "And who have responded to [the need of] their sovereign and established prayer and whose affair is [determined by] consultation among themselves." (Surah Ash-Shura 42:38) This verse illustrates that governance can be founded on consultation and mutual decision-making, just as in modern secular democracy. Moreover, Imam Al-Ghazali said: "The purpose of Shariah is to secure the well-being of people in this life and the hereafter. This means that political systems must be judged based on how well they achieve justice and welfare." (Al-Mustasfa fi 'Ilm al-Usul) A secular government in pursuit of justice, welfare, and religious freedom accords with Islamic principles. 3. The Prophet as a Political Leader – Does That Obligate an Islamic State? Islamists maintain that because the Prophet Muhammad was a political leader in Madina, Muslims must establish an Islamic state to imitate his paradigm. The political leadership of the Prophet was unique to his time and circumstances. His role as a leader of Madinah was not a divine command for all Muslims to create a theocratic state. The primary mission of the Prophet was to guide people spiritually, not to establish a permanent political model. Renowned Islamic scholar Dr. Fazlur Rahman states: In this sense, "The Prophet's leadership in Madinah represented a historical necessity, not a religious duty for all times. Indeed, Islam accommodates different political arrangements as long as these guarantee justice."  Islam and Modernity Moreover, the Prophet himself recognized worldly authorities. He wrote letters to rulers of other than Islamic states without insisting on their imposing an Islamic form of government. He insisted on his call for the propagation of Islam peacefully. 4. The Concept of Ummah Over Nation-State – Is Nationalism Un-Islamic? Islamists proclaim that secular governments divide Muslims through the espousal of nationalism whereas Islam believes in one Ummah. The Refutation The Quran recognises divergence amongst nations, yet invites all to live amicably: ""O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another."" (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13) This verse recognizes national identities and does not order one political entity to be constituted by all Muslims. Modern Islamic scholar Sheikh Abdallah bin Bayyah writes: "The idea of an Islamic empire is neither practical nor mandated by Islam. Muslims can be loyal citizens of different countries while maintaining their religious identity." (The Culture of Peace in Islam) Historically, there have been empires, kingdoms, and republics that Muslims lived under. The secular governments do not interfere with prayer, fasting, alms-giving, pilgrimage, and religious consensus on various issues among Muslims. 5. Secularism and Moral Corruption – Does It Lead to Social Decay? Islamists insist that secularism is immoral because it eliminates the restraints that religion places on society. The Refutation Moral values are not peculiar to religious states, as many secular governments have legislation that works in favour of justice, family values, and social welfare. A secular system does not make people quit religion; it simply means laws are passed through democratic procedures and not by a religious majority or authority. The Quran also admits not all non-Muslim societies are immoral: "Among the People of the Book are those who stand firm in prayer, who enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong." (Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:113) This shows that righteousness could be there even outside an Islamic state. Great scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani elaborates thus: "Muslims living in non-Islamic lands should focus on personal piety and community development rather than attempting to impose religious rule." (Fiqh al-Aqalliyat) Muslims can thus live their values in a secular framework without forcing their way of life on others. 6. Shariah vs. Secular Law – Can Muslims Follow Both? Islamists argue that only Shariah law is valid and that secular legal systems are illegitimate. The Refutation In reality, Shariah is much more a matter of morality and ethics than mere jurisprudence. Many facets of Shariah-for example, on contracts, family law, and business ethics-can be applied within the secular system itself through personal choice. As Islamic jurist Sheikh Mustafa Zarqa says, "Islamic law is adaptable. In a secular system that upholds justice and allows religious freedom, Muslims can practice Shariah in their personal lives. The Quran does not forbid a Muslim from acting in accordance with the law of the land as long as the latter does not conflict with some fundamental Islamic rules and principles: "O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you."-Surah An-Nisa 4:59 Classical scholars like Imam Ibn Abidin issued fatwas obliging Muslims to act in accordance with their country's rules if it does not force them into sinful conduct. (Radd al-Muhtar) Conclusion The debate over Islam and secularism is deeply rooted in differing interpretations of Islamic teachings. Islamists argue that secularism contradicts Islam because it separates religion from governance, undermines divine sovereignty, and weakens Islamic unity. They believe that Muslims must strive for an Islamic state governed by Shariah. However, many scholars refute this view, arguing that Islam does not mandate a specific political system but instead prioritizes justice, social welfare, and religious freedom—principles that can exist within secular governments. The Quran and Islamic tradition emphasize ethical governance rather than the imposition of religious law on society. Throughout history, Muslims have successfully lived and thrived under various political structures, demonstrating that Islam is flexible in matters of governance. Ultimately, while some advocate for Islamic rule, others recognize that secularism, when it ensures justice and religious freedom, is not inherently against Islamic principles. ----- A regular columnist for NewAgeIslam.com, Mubashir V.P is a PhD scholar in Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia and freelance journalist. ------- Part-1: The Roots of Islamist Opposition to Secularism and Secular Government: A Theological Perspective - Part 1 URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-terrorism-jihad/muslims-under-secular-refutation-islamist-part-2/d/134555 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism