مجلة الثقافة الإسلامية
Volume 19, Numéro 1, Pages 153-166
2026-07-01

Religious Freedom In Algeria: Historical Foundations, Constitutional Framework, And Contemporary Regulatory Dynamics



Authors : Sayeb Mohammed .

Abstract

The concept of *freedom of conscience* has gained prominence in contemporary legal discourse due to its broad philosophical and constitutional implications. Unlike freedom of religion—which is a clearly articulated and internationally recognised right—freedom of conscience remains a contested notion, encompassing belief, non-belief, and personal moral conviction. Its expansive nature raises concerns regarding its legal scope and its potential effects on social cohesion. In the Algerian constitutional context, the protection of freedom of belief and religious practice is firmly guaranteed within a framework that preserves national identity and public order. This approach deliberately distinguishes between freedom of religion as a stable constitutional right and freedom of conscience as an ambiguous concept that may conflict with the country’s cultural and religious foundations. Comparative legal studies show significant variation in how states address this notion: some enshrine it explicitly, others integrate it into freedom of religion, while many avoid constitutional recognition due to its complex ethical and social implications. Accordingly, the article argues that a cautious and well-defined approach is most suitable for the Algerian legal system—one that reinforces freedom of religion while regulating the broader notion of conscience to ensure legal clarity, social stability, and consistency with national values.

Keywords

Freedom of conscience Freedom of religion Belief and non-belief Constitutional framework Legal scope Public order National identity Cultural foundations Human rights systems Comparative constitutional law Legal ambiguity Social cohesion Moral conviction Regulatory approach Constitutional stability

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