The Pioneering Formulation of the Concepts of Secularity and Secularism in the Arab-Islamicate World(s): Butrus al-Bustani’s The Clarion of Syria

This paper critically discusses the pioneering formulation of secularity and secularism in Arab-Islamicate world(s) found Butrus al-Bustani’s The Clarion Syria (1860–1861). discussion is conceptually based on distinction between ‘secularity’ as an analytical concept, ‘secularism’ a normative ideological concept. Here, understood to refer (structural) distinctions, whether practical or theoretical cognitive, religious non-religious. Secularism refers promotion such differentiation religion and, particular, politics state. provides conceptual analysis secularity, secularism, secularization, highlighting differences them, well epistemological methodological requirements for drawing them modern contemporary Arab thought. It also reflects linguistic historical context, looking at concepts thought prior Syria.