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Islam And Human Rights: Reimagining A Space For Dialogue Between Islamism And Secularism In Pakistan, Mishal Khan

International Studies Honors Projects

This thesis examines the prospects for a conversation between Islam and human rights. The basic question addressed is: where does the Islamic tradition fit in a secular discourse that inherently rejects religious doctrine? The case study of Pakistan focuses on the role of Islam in politics, and how secular human rights NGOs insert themselves in a polarized national debate about Islam in political life. What emerges is a statement of the importance of "patient and complex intellectual labor" within the Islamic tradition, showing how reformulating our understanding of secularism and the Islamic state is crucial for opening up a space …