Contemporary Iranian philosopher, theologian and Shia secularist, Mohammad Shabestari states that it is 'incomprehensible' for Islam to be construed as a political agenda.
He says 'In my opinion, Islam is a religion in every sense, not a political agenda... as a religion it can also provide inspiration for the creation of a fair and democratic state.'
Shabestari also rejects 're-establish(ing) past political, social and economic systems' based on Islam in order to preserve one's identity in a so called modern 'world of conflict'. Rather, he believes that Islam, and generally religion can 'become a moral force exerting influence on politics'.
However, he states that it is unacceptable when 'religious and political institutions ... are put on the same level, or when statements such as: our politics are our religion and our religion is our politics are used.'
Perhaps the Iranian government can learn some words of wisdom from one of their own prominent Shia clerics.
His full interview with Nawaat can be accessed here.
