Secularism in Islam

7-7-2002 | IslamWeb

Question:

I would like to submit a question to you to clear my doubt about secularism in Islam. What is the stand of secularism in Islam? I heard from a global channel that one Muslim guy speaks officially that secularism is very important in Islam and Islam should follow that. Kindly answer me about the view of secularism in Islam.

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Answer:

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the World; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

Secularism means a system of social organization which keeps out all forms of religion; a doctrine that rejects religion; the attitude that religion should have no place in life affairs.
So, whoever believes that the Shari'a of Islam is not fit for worldly affairs at the present time or Islam does not quite fit in with civilization or it promotes underdevelopment, such a person should be educated and informed if he is ignorant, if he repents, returns to the fact and believes that Islam is right and suitable for every time and place and that it promotes advancement, then that is will be good. Otherwise, it is proved that he is a disbeliever and apostate even if he performs prayers, observes fast and alleges Islam.
Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {O you who believe! Enter perfectly in Islâm (by obeying all the rules and regulations of the Islâmic religion) and follow not the footsteps of Shaitân (Satan). ….} [2: 208]. He Says: {He (Allâh) has ordained for you the same religion (Islâm) which He ordained for Nûh (Noah), and that which We have inspired in you (O Muhammad SAW), and that which We ordained for Ibrahîm (Abraham), Mûsa (Moses?) and 'Iesa (Jesus) saying you should establish religion (i.e. to do what it orders you to do practically), and make no divisions in it (religion) (i.e. various sects in religion). …} [42: 13]. He also 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].
The word Deen means a system of life that comprises all forms of worship, behavior and conduct, transactions and beliefs.
Thus, whoever knows that he is a slave and Allah is His Lord, has to know that The Lord Orders and Forbids and the slave should obey, since The Creator is more Merciful to us than ourselves and knows what makes us better and sets right our affairs.
Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {Should not He Who has created know? And He is the Most Kind and Courteous (to His slaves) All-Aware (of everything).} [67: 14].
Allah knows best.