ABSTRACT

The unprecedented and contagious revolutionary movements in the current Arab world have wondered many as to whether this so-called ‘Arab Spring’ would lead to. Some expressed enthusiasm and optimism, but there also others who do not believe in the bright future of democracy in this part of the world. Both optimism and pessimism are grounded on the way in which political transition transpires in a country

The constitutional revision processes in the aftermath of the collapse of the authoritarian regimes is very important to ensure the successful scenario of the shift from the authoritarian regime to the democratic system. It is surely true that having toppled down a despotic ruler; a democratic state will not automatically be its outcome. If a clear demarcation between authoritarian regime and democratic rule is going to be made, a successfully constitutional reform is necessary.

This seminar addresses the constitutional position of shari`a in three Muslim countries: Indonesia, Tunisia and Egypt. It will explain efforts of Islamic political parties in those countries to have shari`a constitutionally acknowledged or to give it more powerful constitutional status. Having visited Tunis and Cairo last March 2012 and discussed with local stakeholders, the presentation will look at the on-going processes of constitutional revision in Tunisia and Egypt. Finally, it will conclude by offering some comparative remarks.