Ph.D. Student in Political Science Department Bagher-ol-Olum University
Abstract
Secularism and secularization are two ambiguous concepts which have specific meaning loads. The use of these two concepts in contemporary Iran has added to their intrinsic ambiguity. To disambiguate and clarify their meanings, first, I will provide a short history of the emergence of the idea of secularization in contemporary Iran and, then, elaborate on the correct equivalent of secularism and secularization in Farsi. Finally, I will make suggestions for further scholarly study of this subject. In addition to discussions over the meanings of secularism, it has also been considered as a political theory in contemporary Iran. There are also references to secularism and secularization as an analytical model for studying the developments in Iran. In an attempt to find the core meanings of secularism and secularization, I will refer to Max Weber’s ideas in this regard. Afterwards, I will consider religion and politics and the relationship between them as an obvious case of subjects discussed under secularism or secularization.
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