Mainstream thoughts
By Anwar El-Hawari
The modern Muslim dilemma is multifaceted in its symptoms as well as causes. One may be tempted to review the full array of possible solutions, but the underlying problem may be much simpler than many believe. Over the years, there has been a growing sense of grievance in the Islamic world. Ordinary Muslims feel that they have been wronged -- that they have been cheated out of realising their historic legacy. The promise of glory and pride they associate with Islam has apparently failed to materialise. Instead, they live a dreary life on the slow-track of modern history. In this state of mind, many tend to invoke religion as a safe haven of righteousness and a reliable source of reassurance. Readily available on cassette tapes and booklets, the call for piety addresses the sense of loss. On occasion it encourages Muslims to sympathise with one religious group or another.
For sophisticated elites in Islamic countries, the burning issue is one of politics. Should the state be secular or religious, European-style or take its inspiration from the caliphate? And, should it mirror the ideology of the rulers or truly reflect the interests of ordinary citizens? The debate is still ongoing over the optimum relation between church and state.
So far, most governments in the Islamic world derive their legitimacy from the provision of basic needs to the overwhelming majority. Most states here see ideologies -- liberal capitalism as well as puritanical theocracies -- as fanciful affairs with little pragmatic value. Modernity and fundamentalism are both regarded with suspicion, if not as sheer flight into the political unknown. Most Muslims have come to expect and accept a middle-of-the-road ideology. Even when they flirt with ideals, Western or indigenous, their expectations are fairly modest, if not outright mainstream.
This week's Soapbox speaker is managing editor of Al-Siyassa Al-Dawliya (International Politics) quarterly, issued by Al- Ahram.
