Political Science: An Islamic Perspective

Looking around the Muslim world and finding a "horrifying picture," Moten concludes that the problem lies in Muslim efforts to imitate the West. Of all the West's misguided ways, he deems secularism the worst. In its stead, Moten proposes an Islamically-based political program that builds on such concepts as the caliphate and Shari`a (sacred law). Worthy as his effort is, Moten is caught, no less than those he criticizes, between two worlds. Although he ostensibly rejects Western ways, he accepts Western ideals and scours Islam for plausible equivalents. In short, his apologetic may have some utility for fundamentalist Muslims seeking ways to package their programs, but has virtually none for those seeking to learn about Islam and politics.