اسلامی سیاسی فکر کے عصری مباحث: مذہب اور ریاست کے تعلق کا تجزیاتی مطالعہ

Contemporary Debates in Islamic Political Thought: An Analysis of the Religion–State Relationship

Abstract

Islamic scholars have produced an extensive and diverse body of literature within the field of Islamic political thought, addressing fundamental questions of governance, authority, and the role of religion in public life. In contemporary scholarship, increasing efforts have been made to reinterpret classical Islamic political principles in light of modern political concepts, particularly democracy. This engagement has generated various models seeking to reconcile Islamic governance with democratic frameworks. However, such reconciliations are often accompanied by substantial reinterpretations intended to preserve the primacy of core Islamic values and normative principles within political systems. Despite these intellectual efforts, contemporary articulations of Islamic political thought frequently diverge from traditional perspectives rooted in early Islamic history and classical jurisprudence. This divergence reflects an ongoing and unresolved debate within Muslim societies concerning the appropriate relationship between religious authority and state governance in the modern era. Against this backdrop, this article undertakes a critical and research-based analysis of contemporary Islamic political thought, with particular emphasis on its conceptualization of the religion–state relationship. By examining key scholarly discourses and theoretical approaches, the study aims to clarify the dominant trends and assess the nature and mode of interaction between religion and state authority in contemporary Islamic political theory.