Abul A‘la Mawdudi’s Religious and Social Thought: Analyzing the Interplay of Religion and Politics

Abstract

This article explores the religious and social thought of Abul A‘la Mawdudi (1903–1979), one of the most influential Islamic thinkers of the twentieth century, whose intellectual contributions continue to shape discourses on the relationship between religion and politics. By developing the concept of “theo-democracy,” Mawdudi presented an alternative to both secular liberal democracy and authoritarian theocracy. His thought situates Islam as a comprehensive system encompassing political, economic, and social life. This paper critically analyzes Mawdudi’s vision of an Islamic state, his interpretation of sharia as a socio-political framework, and his broader social vision, which includes moral reform, education, and the role of women. It also highlights critiques of his ideas and assesses their legacy in contemporary Muslim-majority societies.