The Stark Contrast Between the Secularism of American Presidents and Muslim Presidents
By: Prof. Dr. Ali Muhyiddin Al-Qaradaghi
President of the International Union of Muslim Scholars
The world witnessed the inauguration of the new American President, Donald Trump, an event that, when viewed objectively, can be described as deeply religious. The ceremony commenced in a church, where President Trump attended a religious service. Prayers were offered, invoking blessings, success, and divine protection.
When Trump ascended the congressional inauguration platform alongside his wife, she proudly carried an open Bible. Interestingly, a priest was present at the ceremony, delivering a speech before the President's oath of office. The priest bore religious insignias, and the attendees participated in collective prayers.
President Trump frequently used religious language during the ceremony and his subsequent speech. He remarked, “The Lord saved me from an assassination attempt so that I could make America a great nation.” He urged the audience, saying, "We must never forget the Lord." The ceremony concluded with prayers and invocations, including recounting the stories of several prophets.
The Double Standards
This event raises critical questions for secularists in the Arab and Muslim world:
- What would their reaction be if an Arab or Muslim president began their inauguration by visiting a mosque to perform a prayer of gratitude?
- Suppose this president carried the Qur'an with their spouse, included Qur'anic verses and prophetic traditions in their oath and speech, and invited a prominent Muslim scholar to deliver a sermon?
Would such an act receive the same approval and blessings that Trump's ceremony did? Or would the Western media and political establishments label the Muslim president as extremist, backward, and a threat to global security?
The glaring double standards highlight the selective application of secular principles. When religion intertwines with politics in the West, it is often framed as cultural pride or moral fortitude. However, similar actions in Muslim-majority countries are frequently stigmatized as regression or extremism.
The question posed to secularists, particularly those in the Arab and Muslim world, is this:
- Why the silence or even endorsement when religious references are prominent in Western political settings?
- Why is there an immediate outcry when similar expressions occur in Muslim contexts?
The hypocrisy in this discourse invites reflection, as the Qur’an states:
"So take heed, O people of insight." [Surah Al-Hashr: 2]
Note: The views expressed in this article reflect those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official stance of the International Union of Muslim Scholars.