Islam and the West .

Running head: ISLAM AND THE WEST
Islam and the West
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1ISLAM AND THE WEST
Response to Question 1
The political and social structure of most of the States of the modern contemporary world
are structured in accordance with the principles of liberal democracy. This is essential as the
individuals are widely becoming more interested in the various rights which are guaranteed to
them. The agency of the State of a liberal democracy has the utmost obligation to ensure that all
the fundamental human rights are enjoyed by its citizens and there is no encroachment on these
rights. However, when it comes to the Arabic States situated in the Middle East region, there is a
prevalence of the interference of the State in the activities of human beings (Safa, 1996). The
more the State interferes in the personal lives of the human beings, the greater is the erosion of
the human rights. Thus, in order to maintain the sovereignty of the individual, there is a need to
keep the State separated from the personal lives of individuals. This will ensure democratization.
Response to Question 2
The Muslim majority countries follow the principles of Quran, believing them to be the
dictates of God. These principles are enforced by a small group of religious people and their duty
is to ensure that every Muslim obeys the laws of Quran. However, a fine line exists between
obedience and authoritarianism. Obedience exists when there is voluntary adherence to the
concerned laws (Lewis, 2002). However, when this obedience is compelled from the people,
then it degenerates into authoritarianism. This situation particularly exists for the Muslim women
who are forced to adhere to the principles of Quran. On the other hand, the men are given a lot of
scope to not follow the rules.
Response to Question 3