Political Islam Begins with Hakimiyya and Ends in Failure
Editorial verification status: This atom was extracted from an explanatory audiovisual source, and it has now been linked to the closest books within the Shahrur project at the book level. For exact academic citation, consult the original book and the original episode together.
Formulation of the claim
Shahrur sees political Islam as having begun from the principle of “hakimiyya,” and he argues that this very foundation carries the seeds of failure. He also links political Islam to models that do not distinguish between the state and authority.
Explanation
Shahrur says that hakimiyya is not a valid entry point for building a contemporary political project. He considers that political Islam does not truly believe in elections or parliaments, because it views them as inherently illegitimate tools. He also places it alongside other totalitarian systems that do not distinguish between the state and authority.
Its place in the episode’s argument
This idea establishes the central critique in the episode: the rejection of using religion as a totalitarian authority. It paves the way for the transition from the “community project” to the “state project.”
Limits of the claim
He does not say that every form of political religiosity is corrupt, but rather criticizes the specifically totalitarian model of hakimiyya.
Brief quotation
“Political Islam, which began on the basis of hakimiyya… does not believe in elections or parliaments”
Nearby links
- Shahrur - hakimiyya
- Shahrur - the civil state
- Book: Religion and Authority