Exploring the Secularism of Muslim-majority Countries

Globalization and modernization have led to the rise of a unique group of countries where the majority of the population follows Islam, yet governance is organized in a way that is fundamentally secular. In this article, we will delve into which of these Muslim-majority countries can be considered the most secular, examining the factors that contribute to this.

Which Muslim-majority Countries are Secular?

Officially, several Muslim-majority countries are classified as secular:

Albania Azerbaijan Bosnia and Herzegovina Indonesia (except Aceh) Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Niger Senegal Tajikistan Turkey Turkmenistan Uzbekistan

Here, it should be noted that Indonesia, with the exception of Aceh province, is considered secular with a unique socio-political context. Different regions have varying degrees of religious influence in governance, with Aceh being an exception due to its special autonomy and implementation of Islamic law.

Understanding Secularism in Muslim-majority Countries

Identifying which of these countries is the most secular is a complex task. Each country has its unique history, culture, and political landscape. Only individuals who have lived in each of these countries can provide a nuanced and comprehensive perspective.

Based on the author's familiarity, it is noted that the secular stance of these countries, particularly the Turkic countries that were once part of the USSR, appears to be relatively low. For instance, in Tajikistan, there is a ban on the wearing of hijabs in public. In contrast, Turkey's secularism has shown resilience and has evolved over time.

Turkey: A Case Study in Secularism

Secularism in Turkey:

When Erdogan came to power two decades ago, there were concerns about the Arabization/Islamization of the country. However, Turkey's secularism has proven resilient and has adapted to the current political climate. Erdogan needs to maintain the support of secular Turks who believe they can coexist with his presidency.

The stance regarding the wearing of hijabs has softened, but there is still a lingering stigma. For example, while it is now possible to see contestants wearing hijabs on TV shows, they are still largely overlooked or marginalized in media representation. This includes TV shows and movies, where hijabi characters are often underrepresented and not given meaningful roles.

A Comparison with Other Muslim-majority Countries

While several Muslim-majority countries do not officially categorize themselves as secular, there are a few that are known for their secular practices and openness to modernization:

Iran (had the potential to be secular, but the 1953 coup by British and CIA changed its path) Indonesia (except Aceh, which has a unique status due to its Islamic legal system) Malaysia United Arab Emirates (UAE) Bahrain Oman Lebanon Maldives

These countries stand out because of their tolerance and understanding of globalization and trade, which are driven more by economic considerations than religious ones.

Conclusion

Secularism and Islam are fundamentally different systems, and the concept of secularism is often not fully accepted or applied in the Islamic world. However, the practice of secularism can exist in Islamic nations through a focus on tolerance, modernity, and economic development. Countries like Turkey and Indonesia (excluding Aceh) are examples of how secularism can coexist with Islamic beliefs, although the journey is complex and evolving.

Unless these Islamic nations suddenly shift to Christianity or another system that fully separates religion from state, secularism will continue to be a defining feature, facilitating better separation of church and state for administrative purposes.