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This book examines the possibility of reconciliation between liberalism and Shiite Islam. By examining two key liberal theories, this book shows that secular liberalism is not justifiable in the view of Shiite Islamic thought.

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Introduction PART I: MILL´S DEEPLY SECULAR LIBERALISM Mill´s Methodology Mill´s Utilitarian Moral Theory Mill´s Liberty Principle PART TWO: RAWLS´S MILDLY SECULAR LIBERALISM Rawls´s Methodology Rawls´s Egalitarian Moral Theory Rawls´s Liberty Principle PART THREE: THE LIBERAL STATE AND SHIA MUSLIM CITIZENS Toleration of Shiite Muslims by the Liberal State Acceptability of the Liberal State to Shiite Muslims Conclusion

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"Discussions of the relationship between liberal political theory and Islam have so far been conducted almost entirelyfrom aWestern liberal view. Hamid Hadji Haidar s exploration of what liberal theory (and indeed the liberal state)looks like from an Islamic perspective therefore offers avery welcomeaddition to the existingliterature. Liberalism and Islam will be of interest not only to liberal political theorists but to all those concerned about the uneasy relationship between Western liberalism and Islam; andwhile there remain important differences between them,Haidar s generally positive andhopeful outlook is refreshingly encouraging amidthe predominantpessimism and mutual fear." - John Horton, Professor of Political Philosophy, Keele University, United Kingdom

"An original exploration of the capacity for mutual understanding between liberalism and Islam that is both intellectually stimulating and of the utmost political importance." - Richard Bellamy, Professor of Political Science and Director of the School of Public Policy, University College London

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Hamid Hadji Haidar is an Honorary Research Fellow, Department of Political Science, School of Public Policy, UCL.

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