The SYNERGY OF HUMAN RIGHTS, RELIGION, AND SECULARISM:

An Ethical-Cultural Study of Abdullahi A. An-Na‘im's Thought

Abstrak

This study explores the thought of Abdullahi A. An-Na‘im on the synergy between human rights, religion, and secularism within the framework of global public ethics. Unlike dichotomous approaches that position these concepts in conflict, An-Na‘im introduces a paradigm of synergy and interdependence that emphasizes mutual reinforcement between universal human rights, religious principles of justice, and civil secularism that is neutral to all belief systems. Employing a normative-philosophical qualitative method, this research analyzes An-Na‘im’s ethical construction and its relevance to the Indonesian socio-political context. The study finds that this synergistic model offers an effective alternative to mitigate the tension between national law, religious norms, and individual freedoms in pluralistic societies. The discourse is further enriched by Nurcholish Madjid’s healthy secularization, John Rawls’ overlapping consensus, and Charles Taylor’s politics of recognition. Theoretically, the study contributes to global ethics and the philosophy of religion; practically, it provides a model for inclusive public policy reform grounded in value pluralism. This paper recommends strengthening civil society, reforming theological interpretations, and developing inclusive public education as strategic steps to nurture a more civilized society.