Islamic – Secular Hybrid and the Egyptian State

Abstract: Using religion as an essential tool of political control is the major trends adopted by governing systems in Muslim states. Both Islamic and secular formal discourses aim at “the nationalization of religion” to dominate societies. The Egyptian state symbolizes a hybrid model in which secular and Islamic tenets coexist in a unique formula, claiming to represent a moderation version of the two, and intending a full control over the society. It will reveal the hybrid nature of the Egyptian state that is shaped by an Islamic – secular nexus, creating a complex blend core for the state identity. It is important to study type and aspects of the relation between state, secularism and religion in Egypt. To accomplish this target, the research will be divided into five main parts: 1) a revealing framework of Islamic – secular hybrid: 2) religion, and secularism in the Muslim World; the game of control; 3) Egyptian state and religion: historical pattern of evolution; 4) Egyptian state as an Islamic - secular actor; 5) Egyptian state and non –state religious actors.