All Politics are God's Politics: Moroccan Islamism and the Sacralization of Democracy

Contemporary mass media descriptions of Muslims often suggest that Islam and Muslims are fundamentally undemocratic. However, Ahmed Khanani argues that for socially conservative, politically active Muslims (Islamists), democracy or dimuqrāṭiyya reflects and extends their religious values. His book All Politics are God's Politics demonstrates this by drawing on conversations with over 100 Islamists in Morocco and highlighting the significance of dimuqrāṭiyya as a concept alongside new prospects for Islam and democracy in the Arab Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 228 pages
\n Publication date: 30 January 2021
\n Publisher: Rutgers University Press
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Contemporary mass media portrayals of Muslims frequently suggest that Islam and Muslims are inherently undemocratic. Policy-makers in the West have exploited these descriptions to justify anti-Muslim right-wing policy developments, ranging from surveillance following the 9/11 attacks to the anti-Islamic travel ban of 2017. However, is this assertion accurate? Ahmed Khanani contends that the opposite is true. In his book, All Politics are God's Politics, Khanani demonstrates that for socially conservative, politically active Muslims (Islamists), democracy or dimuqrāṭiyya aligns with and extends their religious values. By conducting extensive interviews with over 100 Islamists in Morocco, this book offers readers a deeper understanding and appreciation of dimuqrāṭiyya as a concept, alongside new possibilities for Islam and democracy in the Arab Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Khanani's in-depth analysis of the Moroccan case brings these Islamists and their associated political perspectives to the forefront.

Islam and Muslims: Undemocratic or Democratic?

Contemporary mass media portrayals of Muslims often suggest that Islam and Muslims are inherently undemocratic. Policy-makers in the West have exploited these descriptions to justify anti-Muslim right-wing policy developments, ranging from surveillance following the 9/11 attacks to the anti-Islamic travel ban of 2017. However, is this assertion accurate? Ahmed Khanani contends that the opposite is true. In his book, All Politics are God's Politics, Khanani demonstrates that for socially conservative, politically active Muslims (Islamists), democracy or dimuqrāṭiyya aligns with and extends their religious values. By conducting extensive interviews with over 100 Islamists in Morocco, this book offers readers a deeper understanding and appreciation of dimuqrāṭiyya as a concept, alongside new possibilities for Islam and democracy in the Arab Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Khanani's in-depth analysis of the Moroccan case brings these Islamists and their associated political perspectives to the forefront.

The Significance of Dimuqrāṭiyya for Islamists

For Islamists, dimuqrāṭiyya holds significant importance as it reflects and extends their religious values. Democracy, in their view, is not merely a political system but a means to achieve religious goals and promote the well-being of society. Khanani's book sheds light on how Islamists interpret and apply dimuqrāṭiyya in their political activities. He highlights how Islamists view democracy as a tool to uphold religious values, protect the rights of minorities, and ensure social justice.

The Moroccan Case Study

To illustrate the significance of dimuqrāṭiyya, Khanani conducts an in-depth analysis of the Moroccan case. Morocco is a country with a rich history of Islamic tradition and a diverse Muslim population. Khanani's interviews with Islamists from various backgrounds provide a unique perspective on the role of dimuqrāṭiyya in Moroccan politics. The book explores how Islamists in Morocco navigate the challenges of reconciling their religious beliefs with the demands of democracy. It examines how Islamists have adapted their political strategies to promote their religious values within the democratic framework.

Conclusion

In conclusion, All Politics are God's Politics offers a valuable contribution to the understanding of Islam and democracy. Khanani challenges the notion that Islam and Muslims are inherently undemocratic and demonstrates that for socially conservative, politically active Muslims, democracy or dimuqrāṭiyya aligns with and extends their religious values. Through his in-depth analysis of the Moroccan case, the book provides insights into how Islamists interpret and apply dimuqrāṭiyya in their political activities. This book is essential for anyone interested in exploring the complex relationship between Islam, democracy, and social justice in the Arab Middle East and North Africa.

\n Weight: 328g\n
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 15 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781978818613\n \n