Islam, in both theory and practice, is “exceptional” in how it relates to politics. Because of its outsize role in law and governance, Islam has been—and will continue to be—resistant to secularization.I can see how this Rx can be applied in Muslim-majority countries, and I can see the West being resigned to, if not comfortable with, it there. I see no way Hamid's Rx will function in western countries where our governments are premised on separation of church and state.
Unlike Jesus Christ, the Prophet Muhammad was a theologian, a preacher, a warrior and a politician, all at once. He was also the leader and builder of a new state, capturing, holding and governing new territory. Religious and political functions, at least for the believer, were no accident. They were meant to be intertwined in the leadership of one man.
Western observers need to do something uncomfortable and difficult. They will need to accept Islam’s vital and varied role in politics and formulate policies with that in mind, rather than hoping for secularizing outcomes that are unlikely anytime soon, if ever.
Does this mean Muslim immigrants to Western societies will always find our ways fundamentally illegitimate? If so, assimilation will be as impossible as some have argued.
