Criticism of the Politicization of Religion: Islam as a Source of Ethics, Not a Tool of Power

Authors

  • Hawa Fadlillah Islami Mahasiswa Universitas Negeri Surabaya
  • Maulaya Naila Najma Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
  • Putri Dinda Kusuma Tanjung State University of Surabaya, Surabaya 60213, Indonesia
  • Alisya Putri Cahya Syauqiya State University of Surabaya, Surabaya 60213, Indonesia
  • Marsela Dwi Anjani State University of Surabaya, Surabaya 60213, Indonesia

Keywords:

Criticism, Politicization of Religion, Islam, Ethics, Political Power, Islamic Thought

Abstract

The politicization of religion, particularly Islam, has become an important focus in contemporary academic and political discourse. In many Muslim-majority countries, religion is no longer viewed solely as a moral guide and social value, but is increasingly used for electoral interests, policy manipulation, and legitimization of power. The politicization of religion has become a prominent phenomenon in social and political activities. The politicization of religion is prevalent in Indonesia, resulting in religious values often being used as a tool of power. This has triggered conflict and caused deviations from the essence of Islamic teachings. This background forms the basis for research on the theme of the phenomenon of Islamic politics. This study aims to critique the politicization of religion in practice by emphasizing Islam as a source of ethics, not as a tool of power. The method used in this study is a literature review of several relevant previous scientific journals on the politicization of religion and its political ethics. The ethical dimension of Islam offers a framework for promoting inclusive governance and combating authoritarianism. This article highlights how the politicization of religion can destroy social harmony and weaken the legitimacy of religious institutions and democratic structures. Therefore, a reorientation is needed to restore the moral power of Islam in civil life, while maintaining political autonomy from sectarian and populist influences. This study concludes with a call to build an ethical Islamic discourse that encourages critical engagement, democratic participation, and the protection of human dignity.

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Published

2025-12-31 — Updated on 2025-12-31

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How to Cite

Islami, H. F., Maulaya Naila Najma, Putri Dinda Kusuma Tanjung, Alisya Putri Cahya Syauqiya, & Marsela Dwi Anjani. (2025). Criticism of the Politicization of Religion: Islam as a Source of Ethics, Not a Tool of Power. Journal of Political Islam, 1(3). Retrieved from https://journal.unesa.ac.id/index.php/jopi/article/view/41050

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 3 (2025): Volume 1, Number 3 (2025)

Section

Articles
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