A Pluralist Perspective in Light of Contemporary Debates
By F. Alexandre Rifai – Ashteret
Secularism, as a principle of political organization, is often seen as a uniquely French notion, closely linked to the history of the Republic and the 1905 law separating Church and State. Yet today, as the Middle East faces deep identity tensions — between religious denominations, communal groups, and conflicting visions of the role of religion — a central question arises:
Can the principle of secularism, in an inclusive and contextually adapted form, provide a viable framework for coexistence in such societies?
In France and across the Western world, the idea of inclusive secularism is generating intense and sometimes contradictory intellectual debate. At its core, it appears as an attempt to reconcile the principles of neutrality and freedom of conscience with a regulated recognition of cultural and religious identities. But many ask:
Can this approach be relevant elsewhere — in the Middle East, or within the Arab-Muslim diasporas?
Can it inspire, without imposing? Can it reassure, without triggering fear or rejection?
How can it be introduced in societies where the very word secularism (‘almaniyya’) is often perceived as hostility toward Islamic faith, or even as a threat to the religious order?
Without taking a partisan stance, Ashteret seeks here to explore this notion from a comparative perspective —
between the principles of neutrality and liberty rooted in the French and Western tradition, and the societal realities of Arab contexts striving for peaceful coexistence;
between Western models and the aspirations of Arab societies in the Middle East to preserve their internal pluralism.
A Plural Concept at the Crossroads of Several Traditions
Inclusive secularism is not a fixed or monolithic concept. It lies at the intersection of several political and philosophical traditions:
– The tradition of French-style secularism, stemming from the 1905 law, which institutionalized the separation of State and religion;
– The Quebec model of pluralism, which seeks to reconcile institutional neutrality with public recognition of diverse identities;
– And more broadly, the philosophy of living together in multicultural societies.
Historian Jean Baubérot has shown in The Seven French Secularisms (2011–2015) that there is not a single way to conceive secularism, but rather a diversity of approaches. He notably highlights a “recognition-based secularism” that allows for the visible expression of religious beliefs in the public sphere — as long as it does not challenge the shared civic framework.
Philosopher Gérard Bouchard, in For an Inclusive Secularism (2020), defends a similar vision in the Quebec context, advocating for a balance between state neutrality and the respect of identity affiliations. For him, the State can remain impartial while allowing citizens to express their beliefs, as long as this does not disrupt public order or infringe upon equality.
The Three Pillars of Inclusive Secularism
From this perspective, inclusive secularism rests on three key foundations:
- The neutrality of public institutions: the State favors no religion, but safeguards peaceful coexistence among all.
- Freedom of conscience: every individual is free to believe, not to believe, or to change their beliefs.
- Recognition of diversity: cultural and religious identities may be expressed in the public space, provided they respect the common civic framework.
This model does not aim to erase differences, but to make them livable — in a shared public space. It rejects both the domination of one religion and the humiliation of those who choose to believe.
A Potential Inspiration for the Arab World?
In France, proponents of this model highlight its benefits:
– preserving social peace in a pluralistic society;
– fostering adherence to the republican framework, particularly among youth from religious backgrounds;
– reinforcing national cohesion by replacing identity-based confrontation with civic dialogue — as advocated by scholar Valentine Zuber in Secularism in Debate (2014).
But it is perhaps in the Arab world — rich in religious and cultural mosaics — that this notion might take on new and compelling significance.
Unlike the image of an authoritarian secularism that seeks to banish religion from public life, inclusive secularism recognizes difference without sacralizing identity.
It could offer a credible alternative to sectarian systems that freeze identities, and to confessional states that impose a single religious norm.
Real Obstacles, but Not Insurmountable Ones
Adapting this model to the Arab context requires overcoming numerous obstacles and misperceptions:
– The very word secularism (‘almaniyya’) often evokes atheism or hostility to religion in the Arab collective imagination.
– Religion is deeply embedded in legal systems and national identity across many countries; separating civil and religious spheres is often perceived as a threat, or even an offense to religion.
– Interconfessional tensions and authoritarian regimes frequently instrumentalize religion, making any talk of state neutrality sound suspect — or dangerous.
Yet this is not inevitable. Arab voices are already advocating for forms of protective neutrality:
– In Lebanon, intellectuals call for moving beyond political sectarianism toward shared citizenship.
– In Tunisia, post-revolution debates have focused on freedom of conscience and the reform of civil law.
– In the United Arab Emirates, interfaith tolerance initiatives show a desire for harmonious coexistence — even within a non-secular system.
These examples suggest that the spirit of inclusive secularism — built on respect, equality, and a shared framework — can inspire locally rooted models, adapted to the particular contexts and historical memories of Arab societies.
A Moral Imperative to Preserve the Middle Eastern Mosaic
Inclusive secularism is neither a soft compromise nor an ideological Trojan horse from the West.
It is an ethical and civic imperative: to make coexistence possible between different worldviews, to protect everyone equally, without imposing one norm on all.
In the Arab world, where the Other is often seen as a threat — even within the same nation — this imperative could become a condition for collective survival.
Not to Westernize society, but to safeguard its pluralism.
Because living together is not just about tolerance. It is about guaranteeing equal rights, freedom of conscience, and human dignity to all.
An inclusive, contextualized, and rooted secularism could serve as a guarantor of that vision.
Ashteret: A Space for Free and Responsible Dialogue
At Ashteret, we believe that secularism — when properly understood and respectfully articulated — can become, once again, a language of peace and coexistence in the Middle East, as elsewhere.
Neither dilution of core principles nor identity-based rigidity:
Inclusive secularism is both a safeguard and a bridge between the different components of Arab societies.
We aim to provide a space for reflection, open dialogue, and critical exchange
— for all those who believe that one can be both faithful and free, Arab and secular, rooted and open.
This is the conversation we invite.
No taboos. No caricatures. With clarity and conviction.