Reconceptualizing Secularism in the Backdrop of Fethullah Gulen Movement: The Case of Pakistan

Abstract

In the 21st century, globalization is continuously reshaping and changing the world. Clear demarcations are blurring due to neoliberal market economies, modern technologies and social media. Contrary to the assumptions, modernity and globalization are witnessing a comeback of religion from private to public sphere. Political economy of media and culture are using religion as a currency of their trade. Clash of civilization thesis proposes a disagreement between tradition and modern; secular and religious. Secularism has been conceptualized differently in different parts of the world. The traditional concept of secularism is being contested. Secularism is not the opposite of religion as generally perceived. Secularism serves as a seedbed to nourish the innate nature of human beings that recognizes God since ‘Ehad-e-Alst’ and inclined to do good. Surah Shams, chapter , verse states, Fa’alhamaha fajuraha wa taqwaha.’ All sections of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights bear this fact.

Quaid-e-Azam, the founder of Pakistan, is always debated and wrongly perceived for ‘secularism.’ He wanted to establish Pakistan as a welfare state for all its inhabitants irrespective of their religious affiliations. But religion has been badly treated in almost all domains in Pakistan since 1947. Exploitations in the name of religion have been quite frequent in the spheres of politics, economy, culture, military, education etc. The so-called religious leaders are branding religion according to their own heart. This research analyses the misuse of Islam as permeating into all spheres of life in Pakistan. The concept of passive secularism is evaluated in the backdrop of Pakistan that is promoted and defended by Gulen movement.

Keywords: Secularism, Religion, Education, Fethullah Gullen, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah