For Muslim Minorities, it is Possible to Endorse Political Liberalism, but This is not Enough
Journal of Islamic Law and Culture, Vol. 11, No. 2, pp. 71-87, May 2009
18 Pages Posted: 20 Mar 2010 Last revised: 21 Feb 2011
Date Written: May 1, 2009
Abstract
This article discusses the inclusion of Muslim citizens under the Rawlsian conception of liberal citizenship. We show that Muslim and liberal conceptions make similar demands on the relationship between normative principles and the empirical context. We also explain how Muslim and liberal views can be made compatible. However, some challenges remain: all Muslims could endorse liberal citizenship, but some Muslims should not endorse it, given the norms of revision of their Muslim doctrine. For political liberalism, this raises a moral problem.
Keywords: Islam, Muslims, liberalism, citizenship, Rawls
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