Two consistent themes in much of the contemporary analysis of world affairs have been the impending clash of civilisations and the need for the secularisation of the Muslim world.

Secularism seeks to make the temporal rather than spiritual, the basis for all laws. It arose in response to a uniquely European Christian problem  the energy that comes from a clear sense of purpose and direction.

Muslim society must subject itself to critical self-evaluation, recognising the principles that made it great in the past, as well as drawing on the positive aspects of the West and other societies, adapting and improving upon them.

From this may spring a profound sense of empowerment and a realisation that Muslims can make their own future. The call to modernise Islam thus becomes a call to Islamise modernity.