These days some Muslims think that Islam brought the idea of secularism, means Islam gives the right to follow and practice whatever you like and they quote: “For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.”(109:6). “There is no compulsion in religion.”(2:256). “your duty (O Mohammad SAW) is only to convey (the Message) in a clear way.”(16:82) and from these holy verses they conclude that Islam is a secular religion. And you can’t oblige anyone or force anyone to follow Islamic laws. This sound very sweet and logical and backed by holy verses. Let’s examine this ideology/ theory.
Secularism: In secularism you are free to practice your beliefs, no one can interfere in any other’s life, and religion has nothing to do with state affairs and human will made and run the state affairs without the interference of any religious influence or beliefs.
Islam: In Islam everyone is free to practice their beliefs but the most important part which differentiates Islam with secularism is: State affairs will be made and run in accordance to Quran and Sunnah and there are some boundaries for Muslims and for non Muslims which they can’t cross, no matter what their religion has to say about that. For example if any religion allows pork and the follower of that religion likes to eat pork under pure Islamic state then he won’t be allowed at all, if someone wants to drink he is also can’t do that, similarly interest is prohibited in Islam no matter whether your religion allows it or not and many other examples can be given.
Conclusion: If anyone wants to disagree with this interpretation of Islam then he must first study the biography of prophet Mohammad (SAW) specially the Madni period of beloved prophet, where he implemented all these laws in the presence of non Muslims And the answer to above quoted verses is: All these verses talk about personal beliefs and none of them talk about the state affairs, so I hope that Muslims who mix the Islam with Secularism will ponder on my writing.
By: Umer Islam