Marxism And The Influence Of Secularism In The Arab World: A Comparison Discussion With The Western View

Abstract

Karl Marx's analysis of the French Revolution (1789-1799) revealed that the revolution occurred due to the failure of religion to improve the plight of the oppressed and the misuse of religion by the ruling class for economic interests. This led Karl Marx to advocate for socialism in Europe, which indirectly influenced the Arab world. This article discusses the background of Marx's socialism in the West and its comparison to the wave of secularization in the Arab world. This qualitative study employs literature and other sources, analyzing data after collection. The document analysis aims to examine and compare the theory of secularism in the West, and the comparison between West Marxist socialist ideology and secularism in the Arab world. The study finds that Marx's idea of secularism manifested in the form of socialist revolutionary movements in the West. The purposes of Marx's secularism in the form of socialist revolutions include: 1) fostering nationalism in combating colonial hegemony; 2) rejecting sectarian fanaticism and conservative religious decrees; 3) demanding justice and equality, and empowering science and technology education to promote openness to modernization in the Arab world. This article further expands knowledge of Marxist socialist philosophy in human civilization history, particularly its influence on the Arab world.