Ahmed Khanani

Are Muslims in the Arab Middle East and North Africa fundamentally undemocratic? Pundits in the US often say yes, but Ahmed Khanani argues that this simplistic answer is incorrect. Instead, he shows, socially conservative, politically active Muslims value democracy or dimuqrāṭiyya as a frame that reflects and extends their religious values.

Are Muslims in the Arab Middle East and North Africa fundamentally undemocratic? Pundits in the US often say yes, but Ahmed Khanani argues that this simplistic answer is incorrect. Instead, he shows, socially conservative, politically active Muslims value democracy or dimuqrāṭiyya as a frame that reflects and extends their religious values.