Moderate Islam - a contradiction in terms or a political force for the 21st century?
Abstract
Arab states are ruled almost exclusively by authoritarian regimes, as
typified by Egypt, which enjoys a unique regional centrality in Arab politics,
Islamic activism and international relations. Opposition political
organisations are closely controlled, rarely functioning in a meaningful
capacity. Denied political access, radical Islamist groups embraced violence
in an attempt to overthrow regimes perceived as un-Islamic and closely
aligned with Western powers. However, Egyptian regimes highlighted the
power of entrenched personal-authoritarian rule; they have endured, and
have skilfully suppressed Islamic activism of all types, ultimately destroying
radical groups by force.
The wider, mainstream Islamic opposition movement is generally described
as 'moderate' because the groups within it eschew violence and recognise
established political structures. However, while a younger, more
democratic trend is emerging within it, it nonetheless contains enduring
fundamentalist factions that still share the radical aim of establishing an
Islamic state. The moderates proved adept at mobilizing support in
restrictive political environments, but have not subsequently gained official
political party status. If a resurgence of violent extremism is to be avoided,
a new political course is needed. This must be definitively Muslim in
character, democratic, just, and of direct popular appeal. It is such a
project that the nascent Islamist modernist trend in Egypt seeks to
construct. It is enormously ambitious, and currently lacks a unified
mainstream following; the concepts of Muslim democracy and an Islamic
state are presently mutually competitive.
The struggle between traditional moderate Islamists and the more
modernist influence emerging in Egypt is one among several factors that will
determine the future viability of moderate Islamism; there are powerful
external influences at play that will also shape the evolution of this
movement. At present, moderate Islamism is a movement in transition,
tending more towards democratic political participation, away from
autocratic religious utopianism; its disparate factions do not yet enjoy
complete unity of purpose. Looking to the future, it does, however, offer
significant potential as a catalyst for democratic transition.
Type
Thesis, MPhil Master of Philosophy
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