Secular State: The Destruction of Religious Freedom and Values ❖ Claim of the Secular State: Elimination of Religious Differences
Proponents of secularism argue that a secular state fosters peaceful coexistence among religious sects (Shia, Sunni, Deobandi, Barelvi) by eliminating their mutual differences. Surprisingly, even certain religious circles perceive this as a virtue of secular governance and consider it a positive feature.
❖ Question: Can Problems Be Resolved While Preserving Religious Values?
Key Question:
Does a secular state resolve religious disputes while upholding the value-based significance of religion, or does it dismiss religion as irrelevant and meaningless to address these issues?
✿ Reality:
➊ A secular state regards religion as insignificant and unnecessary.
➋ Once the value-based position of religion is dismissed, it becomes a mere matter of social preference—no different from choosing between tea or coffee.
❖ Secular Ideology: A Threat to the Religious Mindset
This condition should be alarming for those who consider Islam a comprehensive way of life (Dīn), yet some individuals mistakenly consider the secular state's actions to be commendable—when in truth, they are worthy of criticism.
❖ The Deception of Religious Freedom under a Secular State
Claim:
It is claimed that "a secular state does not enforce religion upon anyone," but in reality, this implies that religion has been rendered meaningless and dispensable.
Explanation:
A system only enforces those values it considers essential and worthy.
➊ Example:
A secular state exerts immense pressure to pursue scientific knowledge because it deems it necessary for its functioning. Religion, however, is treated like entertainment, and thus, the idea of enforcing it holds no place within the system.
❖ The Illusion of Religious Freedom
➊ When a secular system allows for the practice of a few personal religious rituals, it does not do so out of respect but because it considers them irrelevant and insignificant.
➋ The truth is that a secular system views religion as a nonessential aspect of social life, and the freedom it provides is not based on religion's significance, but on its perceived irrelevance.
❖ The Misconception of Religious Groups about the Secular State
The Idea of Promoting Islam within a Secular System:
Some thinkers (such as Wahiduddin Khan) believe that Islam flourishes better under a secular system.
Critique:
➊ This viewpoint either reduces Islam to a limited set of rituals or is overly influenced by the secular state's claim of neutrality.
➋ In reality, the secular claim of neutrality is deceptive. Allowing the truth of Islam to grow under such a system is akin to mistaking poison for an antidote.
❖ The Deception of Religious Circles by the Secular State
Deceived by the secular state's false claims, various religious groups (Barelvi, Deobandi, Salafi, Shia) willingly allow their foundational roots to be cut.
➊ They view the system as a symbol of equality, justice, and fairness. In reality, however, the secular system negates all these values and promotes a kind of collective society (civil society) that renders religious identities meaningless.
❖ The Falsehood of Secular Neutrality
Argument: Entrusting Power to a Neutral Authority
Some argue that, due to internal disputes among religious factions, power should be handed over to a neutral authority.
Question:
Can the internal discord of a family justify appointing a third party as the household owner who nullifies the property rights of all members?
Reality:
➊ Under a secular state, being Muslim, Christian, or Hindu becomes irrelevant.
➋ In such a system, the very existence of religious identity is nullified—let alone any discourse on its preservation.
