Secularization<\/p>\n
Some of my ideas in your article about me and my thoughts (The
\nJakarta Post, Aug. 17, 2003, page 3) were not precisely, or even
\ncorrectly, reported and I wanted to make the following remarks:
\n1. When asked about \"secularization\" or being myself a secular
\nperson, my answer was very precise: It is important first to have
\na clear definition of what the concept of \"secularization\"
\nactually means. Secularization does not mean an absence of
\nreligion or a society rejecting \"religion.\" Some ideologues try
\nto drive our understanding toward this definition. Secularization
\nmeans the neutrality of the state toward religious communities,
\nand equal treatment. As long as we are allowed, as Muslims, to
\nimplement and to live our Islamic teachings, practices and
\nprinciples, there is no hindrance for us to live in a secular
\nenvironment.
\n2. For the majority Muslim countries, as Indonesia, I think that
\nit is crucial to rely on universal principles and to find a
\nspecific model of society based on its values, history,
\ncollective psychology and culture (as is already the case).
\nIslamic teachings give us, in that field, four main universal
\nprinciples: A state based on law, equal citizenship for people of
\ndifferent religions, universal suffrage and accountability of
\nleaders before the population. Beyond these principles, it is up
\nto Indonesian society to find its own model of society and
\ndemocracy that will be considered as legitimate in the eyes of
\nits population and leaders.
\n3. Speaking about the Palestinian issue, I said that I was
\nadvocating one common state for Jews, Christians and Muslims
\nrespecting the universal values aforementioned. We shall of
\ncourse need a religious Council to deal with and equally protect
\nthe rights of the different religious communities, but the ideal
\nend of the process is a common democratic state that cannot be
\nlabeled a \"Jewish state\", \"Christian state\" or \"Islamic State,\"
\nbut a state respecting the teaching and principles of each of
\nthese religions.<\/p>\n
TARIQ RAMADAN
\nGeneva, Switzerland<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/secularization-1447899208",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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