Islam in a Secular State

Muslim Activism in Singapore

Walid Jumblatt Abdullah

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2025
• eBook ISBN: 9781040794579
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Religion, Politics & State

The overtly secular state of Singapore has unapologetically maintained an interventionist approach to governance in the realm of religion. Islam is particularly managed by the state. Muslim activists thus have to meticulously navigate these realities – in addition to being a minority community – in order to maximize their influence in the political system. Significantly, Muslim activists are not a monolith: there exists a multitude of political and theological differences amongst them. Islam in a Secular State: Muslim Activism in Singapore analyses the following categories of Muslim activists: Islamic religious scholars (ulama), liberal Muslims, and the more conservative-minded individuals. Due to constricting political realities, many activists attempt to align themselves with the state, and call upon the state to be an arbiter in their disagreements with other factions. Though there are activists who challenge the state, these are by far in the minority, and are typically unable to assert their influence in a sustained manner. The author draws upon his own experiences as a researcher and as someone who was involved in some of the discourses explored in this book.

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Half Title Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• 1 Introduction: The State, Islam, and Muslim Activism in Singapore
• 2 Muslim Activism: A Survey across the World
• 3 Argument: Political Opportunities and Muslim Strategies
• 4 The Ulama: Pragmatism and Political Acquiescence
• 5 Liberal Activists: Playing by the System and Making Gains
• 6 The Conservative Dilemma: To Challenge or Accept State Proclamations?
• 7 Conclusion
• Combined Bibliography
• Index