A little about Secularism

by Nisaar Y. Nadiadwala (Notes) on Sunday, August 28, 2011 at 9:15am These days some Muslim nations are celebrating secularism in their national festivals, national slogans, national policies and national laws too... It is a well documented fact that the word secularism has been coined by a British writer, namely, George Holyoake (1817-1906). The British writer first used this term in 1846 to promote a social order separate from religion, without actively dismissing or criticising religious belief. Nineteenth century British/European history is well known for liberation of state/society from the undue dominance of church or in other words this century was the Age of Enlightenment. It was in this context that the term secularism was coined. George Holyoakes 1896 publication, English Secularism, defines secularism as: Secularism is a code of duty pertaining to this life, founded on considerations purely human, and intended mainly for those who find theology indefinite or inadequate, unreliable or unbelievable. Now if we analyse the above defination frm the Islamic dimension we will agree that Islam has a complete code of duty pertaining to this life and it is based upon God;s commands to fulfil the human need, so no Muslim should find the laws of Islam as inadequate or unreliable or unbelievable. The English dictionaries tell us that secularism means "not concerned with or related to religion or not within the control of the Church.". It can also be understood "not within the control of the Vedas".. or "not within the control of the Shariah"..to be simple. Can a Muslim claim that he does not want to be within the control of the Shariah ? Being a less practising Muslim is one thing but rejecting shariah can be dangerous for the Emaan of a Momin. Not being able to implement shariah due to weakness of team work or lack of zest is one thing but beleiving that man made laws are better than Shariah can be dangerous for Akhera People in the past have used secularism to destroy Christianity successfully. Now Christinaity in many Western countries remains a fossil of rituals and festivals only. What ever teachings of Jesus were there in the Holy Bible are put behind the back only meant to be read in the Church or the Bible classes.. but nothing to with laws. In other words secularism means "locking God in the house of worship and visiting him on Sundays or Fridays and not allowing him to come out and dictate his law... Secularism adopted by a Muslim nation can also be understood by a Muslim as " Good bye to God given Laws and allow Human made laws superior over Shariah...." People in th past have denounced religion because of the rise of a feudal society (like the Byzantines), a divine autocracy (like the Persians) in the name of Religion, but Islam has already discarded successfully all types of feudal laws and replaced a set of practical laws for humanity. In countries like US and UK many non practising Christians have started looking into the possiblites of getting back into the religious stream and talks critising secular laws are being aired loudly...Pope Benedict XVI had warned of the dangers of secularism and of "do it yourself" religion, on the final day of his visit to his native Germany.He urged an estimated 1m young

people at an outdoor Mass near Cologne to hold fast to the core values of their faith. ...2005 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4170204.stm Sunday, 21 August While on the other hand, some Muslim politicians are talking about secularism in Muslim nations thus trying to lead the masses away from Islam...Afala bil Batille yo.minoon wa bi ne'amtillahi hoom yakforoon ? Will you believe in False hood and reject the Blessings of Allah ? Surah Nahl ch 16, verse 72....