"What if to act democratically is to follow the Prophet’s sunna? This book turns the literature on 'Islam and democracy' on its head. Drawing on ordinary language philosophy Khanani explores the political-religious thought of Moroccan Muslim activists to appreciate contemporary democratic political thought and practice in an Islamic register. An extraordinary listener and innovative thinker, Khanani charts new terrain in decolonial studies, religion and politics, Islamic studies, and the study of Moroccan and MENA politics."

Elizabeth Shakman Hurd, author of Beyond Religious Freedom: The New Global Politics of Religion

"Ahmed Khanani’s book is a most welcome contribution to the debate on religion and politics."

Perspectives on Politics

"Scholars, journalists, and politicians routinely speak of 'democracy' around the world as if the meaning of this term were universally shared. Khanani shows with great flair and sensitivity how blinding this assumption is. Highly illuminating and methodologically exemplary."

Frederic Schaffer, author of Elucidating Social Science Concepts: An Interpretivist Guide