The Ideal Islamic State vs. Secular States:
Like Oil and Water — They Don’t Mix
Subtitle: Divine Law vs. Human Law — A Fundamental Clash of Values
Introduction: Two Worlds That Can’t Coexist
In a world divided by ideology, few conflicts are as profound as the clash between the Ideal Islamic State and the Secular State. These two systems are like oil and water — they do not mix. One is built on the belief that all law and morality must come from God. The other is founded on the idea that human beings, through reason and debate, create their own laws and values.
But why are these two systems so fundamentally opposed? Why can’t they coexist in a single society without constant tension? This post explores the core differences between the Ideal Islamic State, governed by strict Sharia law, and the Secular State, where human reason and personal freedom are the foundation.
1. The Foundation of Authority: Divine Law vs. Human Law
| Aspect | Ideal Islamic State | Secular State |
|---|---|---|
| Source of Law | Divine Law — Sharia, derived from the Quran, Hadith, Ijma, and Qiyas. | Human Law — Created by elected representatives and courts. |
| Sovereignty | Belongs to Allah alone (Quran 12:40) | Belongs to the people — democracy and popular sovereignty. |
| Leadership | A Caliph (Islamic ruler) chosen by scholars (Shura) or appointed by a predecessor. | Presidents, Prime Ministers, or Monarchs chosen by the people. |
| Religious Authority | Religious scholars (Ulama) interpret and enforce Sharia. | No religious authority — separation of church and state. |
| Legal System | Sharia courts with Qadis (Islamic judges) | Secular courts with judges trained in civil and criminal law. |
| Freedom of Dissent | Dissent against the ruler is rebellion against God’s law. | Freedom of speech and peaceful protest are protected rights. |
Why They Don’t Mix:
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In the Ideal Islamic State, questioning the ruler can be seen as questioning God’s authority.
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In a Secular State, criticizing the government is a fundamental right.
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The Islamic State is a theocracy — God’s law is supreme.
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The Secular State is a democracy — the will of the people is supreme.
2. Law and Justice: Sharia Law vs. Secular Law
| Aspect | Ideal Islamic State | Secular State |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Law | Fixed punishments (Hudud): stoning, amputation, flogging. | Proportional punishment — prison, fines, community service. |
| Apostasy (Leaving the Faith) | Punishable by death (Hadith: Sahih Bukhari 6922) | Freedom of religion — no penalty for changing beliefs. |
| Blasphemy | Punishable by death or severe punishment. | Free speech — criticism of religion is protected. |
| Testimony in Court | Two women equal one man’s testimony (Quran 2:282). | Equal testimony for all, regardless of gender or religion. |
| Rights of Non-Muslims | Limited — can live as Dhimmis (protected people) but with restrictions. | Equal rights for all citizens, regardless of religion. |
| Religious Crimes | Drinking alcohol, adultery, theft — severe punishments. | No religious crimes — only secular crimes (theft, assault, etc.). |
Why They Don’t Mix:
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The Ideal Islamic State enforces religious morality as law — drinking alcohol, adultery, and apostasy are crimes.
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The Secular State protects individual freedom — drinking, changing religion, and criticizing beliefs are personal choices.
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In the Ideal Islamic State, non-Muslims are second-class citizens (Dhimmis) with limited rights.
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In the Secular State, all citizens have equal rights, regardless of faith.
3. Personal Freedom: Moral Policing vs. Individual Choice
| Aspect | Ideal Islamic State | Secular State |
|---|---|---|
| Freedom of Dress | Modesty enforced — women wear hijab/niqab, men grow beards. | Freedom of dress — individuals choose their own clothing. |
| Gender Segregation | Enforced in public spaces (schools, workplaces, transport). | Gender integration in all public spaces. |
| Public Behavior | Moral police (Hisbah) enforce Sharia compliance. | No moral policing — behavior regulated by secular law. |
| Privacy and Free Speech | Limited — criticism of religion is not tolerated. | Full freedom of speech, including criticism of religion. |
| Religious Freedom | Non-Muslims can practice but face restrictions. | Full religious freedom for all faiths and no faith. |
Why They Don’t Mix:
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In the Ideal Islamic State, individual freedom is secondary to religious morality.
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The Secular State is based on personal freedom — morality is a personal choice, not a legal requirement.
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The Islamic State uses religious police to enforce behavior, while the Secular State uses laws to protect personal freedom.
4. Family Law: Religious Authority vs. Secular Equality
| Aspect | Ideal Islamic State | Secular State |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage | Religious contract (Nikah) governed by Sharia. | Civil marriage — based on mutual consent. |
| Polygamy | Allowed — men may marry up to four wives (Quran 4:3). | Polygamy generally prohibited — one spouse at a time. |
| Divorce | Men can divorce through Talaq (verbal). | Divorce through courts — equal rights for men and women. |
| Inheritance | Male heirs receive twice the share of female heirs (Quran 4:11). | Equal inheritance rights for all children. |
| Child Custody | Fathers have preference after a certain age. | Custody decisions based on the best interests of the child. |
Why They Don’t Mix:
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In the Ideal Islamic State, gender roles and rights are dictated by Sharia.
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The Secular State promotes gender equality — men and women have the same legal rights.
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Sharia law gives men greater authority in marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
5. Economy: Halal Economy vs. Secular Free Market
| Aspect | Ideal Islamic State | Secular State |
|---|---|---|
| Interest (Riba) | Forbidden — all financial transactions must be interest-free. | Interest is legal — loans, mortgages, and savings accrue interest. |
| Business Ethics | Halal trade only — no alcohol, pork, gambling. | Free trade — all legal products can be traded. |
| Zakat (Charity Tax) | Mandatory — 2.5% of savings for the poor. | Voluntary charity — state taxes fund social welfare. |
| Financial System | Islamic finance — profit-sharing, no fixed interest. | Conventional finance — banks, stock markets, insurance. |
| Employment Rights | Gender roles based on Sharia — men as providers. | Equal employment rights for men and women. |
Conclusion: Oil and Water — Two Systems That Cannot Mix
The Ideal Islamic State and the Secular State are two fundamentally different visions of society. One is built on the belief that law must come from God, and morality must be enforced by the state. The other is based on the idea that individuals should be free to choose their beliefs, speak their minds, and shape their own lives.
For the Ideal Islamic State, freedom is dangerous — it threatens morality and religious purity. For the Secular State, freedom is essential — it is the foundation of human dignity and progress.
These two systems do not mix. Like oil and water, they are fundamentally incompatible.
Related Posts:
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Inside a Pure Islamic State: What Sharia Law Looks Like in Practice
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Between the Ideal and the Real: Why Modern Muslim States Don’t Reflect Pure Sharia
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Islam and the Law in New Zealand: Rights, Protections, and Controversies
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The Future of Islam in New Zealand: Growth, Integration, and Tensions
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1,400 Years of Division: How Islam’s Ancient Conflicts Shape New Zealand Today
About the Author
Mauao Man is a blog created by a New Zealand writer who believes in following the evidence wherever it leads. From history and religion to culture and society, Mauao Man takes a clear, critical, and honest approach — challenging ideas without attacking people. Whether exploring the history of Islam in New Zealand, the complexities of faith, or the contradictions in belief systems, this blog is about asking the hard questions and uncovering the truth.
If you value clarity over comfort and truth over tradition, you’re in the right place.
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