The Struggle within Islam : the conflict between religion and politics / Rafiq Zakaria.

Includes appendices, notes on the chapters, bibliography, index (302-470).

The book examines the historical and continuing tension between Islam’s spiritual message and its political manifestations. Zakaria traces the roots of the struggle to the time of Prophet Muhammad, noting how the Prophet combined religious authority with political leadership. After his death, disputes over succession gave rise to enduring conflicts within the Muslim community, including the Sunni–Shia divide.

Zakaria analyzes how, across history, rulers, clerics, and reformers have interpreted Islam to serve political ends. He highlights episodes where religion was used as a tool of statecraft, as well as moments when spiritual reformers sought to reclaim Islam’s ethical and moral foundations. The book also discusses the rise of Islamic fundamentalism, contrasting it with modernist and liberal approaches that advocate reconciliation between Islamic values and democratic governance.

Ultimately, Zakaria argues that Islam’s vitality lies in its adaptability, but warns that when political power overshadows spiritual principles, it leads to rigidity, intolerance, and conflict. He calls for a revival of Islam’s humanistic core to balance faith with modern social and political realities.