Islam, Secularism, and Liberal Democracy Toward a Democratic Theory for Muslim Societies By Nader Hashemi (New York: Oxford University Press, 2009. 280 pages.)

Abstract

Islam, Secularism, and Liberal Democracy analyzes the theoretical relationship
between religion and democracy, specifically Islam’s relationship
with liberal democracy. It discusses the relationship between Islam,
Muslim-majority societies (viz., Iran, Turkey, and Indonesia), and liberal
democracy in a way that advances theory and practice regarding their relations
and this relationship is the immediate focus of this study, and the conclusions
have a much broader applicability in illuminating the theoretical
relationship between religion, secularism, and democracy in general, and in
contributing to the development of a liberal-democratic theory for Muslim
societies in particular.

The author’s primary methodological approach is historical and comparative.
Drawing on insights and lessons from western political theory and
history, he examines the relationship between liberal-democratic development
and religion both theoretically and in the context of the Muslim world.
The three countries mentioned above are presented as case studies as a
means to reinforce the theoretical claims. The book consists of four chapters
followed by a conclusion, endnotes, a bibliography, and an index ...