A query on literalism and on politics in Islam

Submitted by John Clements (United Kingdom), Sep 29, 2004 at 19:34

I came to this article looking for information about two particular aspects of Islam which I have been led to believe are part of its mainstream, even central to it. I wonder if Mr. Pipes or others would like to offer their thoughts and/or point me toward expert sources?

The two ideas are literalism and the subsuming of politics by religion.

E.g. would you say this this statement is true?

"Two facts about Islam should be kept in mind when trying to understand its relationship with religious fanatic terrorists and other Islamists. The first fact is that Islam is a political religion. All religions probably aspired initially to provide the rules for all aspects of life but Islam still has that at its core - sharia law demonstates this amply. The second fact is that there is no branch of Islam that questions the idea that the Koran contains everything that is true about the world."

Or, this one?

"the fundamental premise of Islam - as in premodern Christianity - lies in the unity of God and the world, so that divine writ covers every aspect of existence. Unlike the New Testament, however, the scope of the Koran's injunctions to the individual spreads over every dimension of life. Islam is a total way of life incorporating habits and practices that do not directly relate to worship but nevertheless demonstrate virtue. In order that the Muslim may effectively practise this way of life, Islam requires a political order that guarantees it. Islam, from its outset, has involved the exercise of power."
(this last is taken from an article in Prospect Magazine by Anshuman A Mondal)

Who are the experts on this? Are there two sides to it or is it generally agreed one way or the other?

Many thanks!

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