The editors of this forum, Dheepa Sundaram and Evan Stewart, have sought to explore the intersection of religion, spirituality, and democratic renewal, particularly focusing on how Muslim communities engage in civic life across diverse global contexts. Through a series of essays, they challenge monolithic notions of “religious” and “secular” by highlighting the ways in which faith commitments inspire and sustain democratic practices. The forum interrogates Western-centric frameworks of autonomy, secularism, and feminism, offering alternative perspectives on identity, community, and civic engagement. By centering Muslim voices, these essays illuminate how religious and spiritual traditions serve as dynamic resources for fostering equity, solidarity, and pluralism.
