ISLAM AND SOCIALISM + ISLAM AND SECULARISM

Part 1 Islam and Secularism

Step 1: Read chapter 14 in Islam in the Modern World (IMW) (Assertive Secularism, Islam and Democracy in Turkey)

1. What are the differences between passive and assertive secularism?

2. How did Western analysts view Turkey in the 1950s-1960s?

3. How does this article challenge their image of Turkey?

4. From this article, retrace the history of Islamic renewal in Turkey. What role did Turkish generals play in that renewal? How was the "assertive secularist" influence weakened?

5. Who is Erdogan? Who is FethullahGulen?

6. How can this article help you understand Turkey's current situation?

Step 2: Read Asghar Ali Engineer in Islam in Transition (IT) (pp. 136-142)

1. Can there be a Muslim country with a secular state? Why and/or why not?

2. How does the author prove his point?

Part 2 Islam and Socialism in Islam in Transition (IT)

A. Read Shaykh Mahmud Shaltut (pp. 79-82)

On the basis of this text, please reconstruct Shaykh Shaltut's idea of a perfect society.

B. Read al-Qadhdhafi (pp. 83-86)

1. What is the Third Way?

2. How does al-Qadhdhafi relate to the West?

C. Read Michel Aflaq (pp. 87-92)

1. How does the author define Arabism and Arab personality?

2. How does the author view Europe? How do Europeans differ from Arabs?

3. In what way did European imperialism differ from Islamic expansion?

4. What will it mean for Christian Arabs to embrace Arabism?

D. Read Mustafa Siba`I (pp. pp. 100-102)

Answer question: What is Islamic Socialism?

E. Read SayyidQutb (pp. 103-108)

1. How does Qutb relate to Europe?

2. What is social justice in Islam?