Apostasy or Reformation : A Form of Religious Criticism in Islam(<Special Issue>Criticism of Religion)

Abstract

Nowadays, a claim for establishment of an Islamic government by the supporters of radical Islamic Revivalism have increased. These supporters insist that only the Islamism-movement can repair and cure the somber predicament found in Islamic societies as a whole. To anyone who is working to build a modern society with free citizenship, the slogan "The rule is just to God" makes them cringe. Against these examples of radical Islamism, al-'Ashmawi, a modern Egyptian intellectual and former chief judge of the High Court, has been bravely standing up to the extremists, even though he is under constant threat of death. His writings and assertions are often accused of being apostate, not only by the extremists but also by the 'Ulama of al-Azhar University. Although accused as apostate, al-'Ashmawi's views on reform of Islamic law and society are based on the Qur'an and the Sunnah, and are developed academically within historical contexts. His assertion on the separation of state and religion, his criticism of the Khaliphate and the blind application of Shari'ah, and his contention of the ideal Islamic government are regarded as liberal ideas that are inevitable for a modern Islamic society. It is desirable that his ideas and thought will contribute to the enlightenment movement seen recently in Egypt.