Published: 2021-08-27

Two Cities and Two Orders – jāhiliyyah by Sayyid Qutb in the context of Saint Augustine’s thought

Mariusz Sulkowski
Christianity-World-Politics
Section: Articles
https://doi.org/10.21697/CSP.2021.25.1.06

Abstract

This paper presents a comparison of two concepts of political governance: the jāhiliyyah concept by Sayyid Qutb is presented against the background of Saint Augustine’s thought. As Erik Peterson emphasizes, the doctrine developed by Saint Augustine ultimately eliminated the option of building political theology within the framework of Christianity – the divine was separated from the imperial, even though the cooperation between the two orders was maintained. Hence, the area of secularism emerged in the political aspect. The concept presented by Qutb also emphasizes the existence of the two orders, yet – unlike in the case of Saint Augustine – these orders are not spiritual but purely empirical. Allah’s rule and law should extend over the entirety of the social, political and economic life. Everything which is contrary to this vision belongs to the category of rebellion against Allah. Therefore, the conflict between the two orders is not only unavoidable but also existential.

Keywords:

Sayyid Qutb, Islamism, fundamentalism, Saint Augustine, jāhiliyyah, City of God

Citation rules

Sulkowski, M. (2021). Two Cities and Two Orders – jāhiliyyah by Sayyid Qutb in the context of Saint Augustine’s thought. Christianity-World-Politics, (25). https://doi.org/10.21697/CSP.2021.25.1.06

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