Islam in America

The question of Islam’s compatibility with classical liberalism is contentious. Pierre Manent’s essay republished by Law & Liberty discusses this controversy regarding Muslim integration in France.  French secularism’s (Laïcité) struggle with Islam is well known. Whether banning headscarves or attempting to prohibit Islamically inspired swimwear, France’s laws often conflict with Islamic practices. With radicalism in the banlieues stubbornly persistent, Islam also seems at odds with Laïcité.

Considering this, Manent deserves credit for advancing beyond simple dichotomies and pessimism about an inevitable clash of civilizations. He observes that the conflict between Islam and Laïcité is not rooted in inherent incompatibility but is contextual. The American context, where disestablishment rather than Laïcité dominates, underscores Islam’s compatibility with liberal society. Islam in the United States, contrary to certain narratives, promotes civil society and liberal values.

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