THE EMERGENCE OF SECULARISM AND ITS CIVILIZATIONAL IMPLICATIONS: A SCHOLARLY PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The emergence of secularism has been one of the most transformative developments in modern political and cultural history. Originating in post-Enlightenment Europe, secularism has fundamentally altered the relationship between religion and state, redefining public spaces, civic values, and legal systems across civilizations. This paper critically examines the historical evolution of secular thought, its philosophical underpinnings, and the varying models it has taken globally. By comparing secularism in Western democracies with its adaptation in Muslim-majority societies, particularly in South Asia, this paper highlights its civilizational implications, including its influence on identity, governance, social cohesion, and religious pluralism. Special attention is given to the challenges and prospects of secularism in Pakistan, a country founded on religious ideals yet striving to balance modern secular governance principles.