It is not I who says that secularism and pluralism are incompatible with Islam. It comes from a qualified source. Namely from a well-known Islamic theologian and commentator who writes for the pro-government Yeni Safak. I will give extensive excerpts from what Professor Hayrettin Karaman wrote in his column on May 25.
.... “The concept of secularism corresponds to that area concerned with general worldliness, the human area in which Allah and religion do not interfere. Laicism on the other hand represents the political dimension within this.
Therefore, whether it is laicism or secularism, they foresee such an area in essence where religion definitely does not interfere. If we come to Islam from this point, there is no private or general area in which religion under Islam does not interfere in. Those who say there is either do not know the matter, or know it but are misrepresenting it.”
.... But in terms of legislating, showing the correct path, and validating rules there is no area that religion does not intervene in.”
.... He then adds that “in conclusion, secularism and laicism do not have aspects that are in harmony with or parallel to Islam” and says “it is not possible for these to come side by side.” [Hürriyet Daily News] Read more
