Santa Clara University

In his lecture Professor An-Na'im will argue that the establishment of secular states throughout the Islamic world can best ensure universal rights as well as religious freedom for both Muslims and non-Muslims in today's globalized societies. The separation of religion and state is necessary to give individuals the liberty to discuss, critique, and challenge sharia (Islamic law). Where sharia conflicts with the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights--especially with regard to the status of women and religious minorities--those portions of sharia must be amended or abrogated. Secular forms of government are best suited to allow such discussions to take place.