Secularity is sometimes conceived as a Western idea of Christian heritage. However, its conceptualization came about not only prior to the advent of Christianity, but it is also compatible – at least in principle – with Islamic ideals. This paper will show that its reception, or refusal, by contemporary Islamic countries carries with it important implications for human rights implementation.
Before delving into these issues, it is worth making just a short digression on the concept of secularity itself – to explain what secularity is and what it is not – as well as briefly mentioning the conditions of its reception by the Christian West.