8 Types of Islam Explained

How Secularism Functions Like a Religion

Secularism is often seen as a neutral space free from religious influence, but postmodern anthropologist Talal Asad argues otherwise. According to Asad and other scholars, secularism operates in a quasi-religious manner, shaping society with its own doctrines, rituals, and belief systems.

Secularism as a Moral and Political System

Religions establish ethical frameworks, such as Christianity’s Ten Commandments or Islam’s Sharia, and secularism enforces its own moral principles in a similar fashion. Some of its core values include:

• Freedom of speech and expression, though often limited by social norms.
• Progressive values, such as LGBTQ+ rights, which are upheld with the same fervor as religious commandments.
• The idea of religion as a private matter, a concept rooted in Christianity but imposed on other faiths.
• Competition with religion, as secularism does not remain neutral but actively reshapes religious thought and practice.

Sacred Texts and Social Dogma

Just as religious communities revere their scriptures, secular societies treat certain documents as untouchable foundations:

• The U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Human Rights are often regarded as infallible.
• Questioning democracy or secular principles can be seen as heretical, leading to social and political backlash.

Rituals and Symbols in Secular Society

Religious traditions incorporate rituals and sacred symbols, and secular societies do the same:

• Standing for the national anthem and respecting national flags.
• Observing memorial days for fallen soldiers, resembling religious commemorations.
• Taking oaths in courts and political offices, akin to religious pledges.

The Missionary Nature of Secularism

Like religions that provide meaning to life and a moral mission, secularism promotes ideals such as human rights, democracy, and freedom as absolute truths. Many Western states justify international interventions under the guise of spreading democracy and human rights, a process that strongly resembles religious evangelism.

Excommunication and Punishment in Secularism

In religion, apostasy—leaving the faith—can lead to excommunication or social punishment. In secularism, challenging dominant social norms can result in public shaming, career destruction, or legal repercussions. For example, publicly criticizing progressive ideals can lead to being "canceled," losing a job, or even being banned from social spaces.

The Separation of Church and State: A Myth of Neutrality?

One of the core principles of secularism is the separation of church and state, supposedly ensuring a neutral governance system. However, Asad and other scholars argue that secularism does not eliminate religious influence—it simply replaces it with its own ideological framework. Laws and policies continue to be shaped by secular moral values, which act as a form of governance similar to religious legal systems.

In practice, secular states often restrict religious expressions in public life, making neutrality more of an illusion than a reality. The debate over religious symbols in public spaces, such as hijabs in France or crosses in government buildings, highlights the power dynamics of secular governance.

Conclusion: Secularism is Not Neutral

Secularism is not merely the absence of religion—it behaves like a religion itself, enforcing beliefs, rituals, and punishments. It is an active ideology that seeks to reshape society according to its own values rather than allowing true neutrality.

What do you think? Can secularism truly be neutral, or is it just another form of belief system?

Thinking Muslim's Guide to Atheist Arguments by Basira Education

 

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Understanding Modest Dress for Women in Islam

I have been researching the scholarly consensus and the fundamental requirements for modest dressing for women in Islam, prompted by a request from my cousin sister. Given the sensitivity of this topic, I aim to present a high-level overview while providing references for further exploration at the end of this post.

Core Principles of Modest Dress

• Covering the Awrah: Islamic teachings emphasize covering the parts of the body considered awrah—areas that should remain hidden from unrelated men. While interpretations differ, the majority opinion holds that a woman should cover her entire body except for her face and hands.
• Loose and Non-Revealing Garments: Clothing should be loose-fitting to prevent the body’s shape from being discernible. It should also be non-transparent and not form-fitting to avoid attracting undue attention.
• The term hijab is often used to describe both the headscarf (which covers the hair) and the broader concept of modest attire. While the headscarf is a key element, modest dress extends beyond just covering the hair.

Minimum Requirements

• Covering the Hair and Neck: At a minimum, a woman is expected to cover her hair and neck, which is typically done using a hijab or headscarf.
• Covering the Body: The rest of the body, except for the face and hands, should be covered with loose, non-transparent garments to maintain modesty and avoid drawing attention to the body’s shape.

Context and Variation

• Scholarly Differences: Although these guidelines are widely accepted, variations exist among scholars and communities. Some interpretations include covering the feet or even the face (as in the case of the niqab), but the most commonly practiced opinion allows the face and hands to remain uncovered.
• Cultural and Personal Considerations: Modesty is expressed in different ways across cultures and personal beliefs. However, the core principle remains a focus on modesty, humility, and respect in public appearance.

Summary

Islamic modest dress for women generally includes covering the hair, neck, and body in a loose and non-revealing manner, with the face and hands being common exceptions. These guidelines promote modesty and discourage unnecessary attention, while variations in practice exist due to different interpretations and cultural influences.

References

• The Evolution of Hijab – Dr. Shabir Ally

• Understanding Islamic Dress Codes

• Helping Hijabis Understand Proper Hijab and Its Purpose - Omar Suleiman

• What’s Behind the Hijāb Bans: An Analytical Look | Ask Shaykh YQ - EP 261

• Understanding the Ruling and Wisdom of Hijab | Ask Shaykh YQ - EP 262

• The Quran and Modest Dress

• A Feminist's Choice to Wear the Hijab | Attiya Latif | TEDxUVA

• What does the Quran really say about a Muslim woman's hijab? | Samina Ali | TEDxUniversityofNevada

• What does the Quran really say about a Muslim woman's hijab? | Samina Ali | TEDxUniversityofNevada

• Don't Force The Hijab, Do THIS Instead | Nouman Ali Khan

• Progressive Views on Islamic Modesty