In the West, secularism has meant complete separation of religion and the state. The Kemalist conception of secularism, however, has allowed for some measure of state control over religion. It was feared that total non-interference between religion and the state would, in fact, result in the interference of religion in governmental affairs, since Islam is perceived not only as a system of faith but also a system of law, a social and political ideology, and a total way of life.