In a Washington Post column, a Muslim intellectual rethinks the art of losing in democracy

In a recent column, academic Shadi Hamid offers an unexpected reflection on the acceptance of electoral defeats through the prism of Muslim spirituality. Presenting himself as a liberal intellectual but critical of contemporary liberalism, Hamid explores how spiritual resources can help overcome political setbacks. His approach is based on a modern reading of sacred texts to shed light on current democratic challenges.

For the author, religious traditions offer valuable tools for accepting reality rather than rejecting it. He cites in particular a verse which evokes the superior wisdom of destiny: what seems harmful to us can turn out to be beneficial, and vice versa. A principle that he judiciously applies to the analysis of electoral results. Drawing on his dual expertise as a political analyst and researcher in religious sciences, Hamid develops an eloquent metaphor: we must first act concretely before accepting what escapes our control, just like the prudent traveler who attaches his mount before relying on providence.

This original approach to politics offers a balance between commitment and detachment. It suggests that the acceptance of the electoral results, far from being a capitulation, can become a source of democratic renewal. In a political landscape marked by growing tensions, this reflection sheds innovative light on the management of electoral defeats. It shows how traditional wisdom can nourish democratic maturity by offering resources to transcend partisan divides.