by Nayab Sh

Created on: November 27, 2009   Last Updated: February 24, 2010

Islam, a true religion of peace and humanity unfortunately is now being considered as a root cause behind undemocratic values prevailing in few Islamic states. Reason behind such misconception is misunderstanding and absolutely wrong analysis of Islamic political values. While discussing the topic of Islam and democracy, people often take extreme positions; some present Islamic political system as an antithesis of democracy while other emphasizes that both Islam and democracy are two different terms implying same thing. In this case we can take the example of John Esposito and John Voll who argued in their recent book ‘Islam and Democracy’ that both are compatible with each other. But the real picture is entirely different from both viewpoints. Therefore before taking sides of either group let's have a look at some important concepts regarding the place of democracy in Islam.

 1-Concept of Sovereignty

The basis of Islamic political system is an absolute belief in the sovereignty of Allah, the real law giver. No one even a prophet can order others in his own right. The Prophet himself is subjected to Allah's commands. As Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, "I do not follow anything except what is revealed to me". For man Islam uses the term "Vicegerency" (Khilafat) instead of "Sovereignty". So anyone selected as vicegerent uses the political power as the trust from Allah Almighty and is answerable before Him for each and every action he takes under these powers.

2-Decision Making Process

In Islam ‘Shura’ is the only decision making and implementing body. The role of Shura is often compared with the role of parliament in modern democracy but the main difference between two is the concept of real law giver. In Islam only Allah Almighty is the real law giver to Whom the authority of legislation vests. Man has no authority to modify the prescribed limits and can't resort to independent legislation. He has to take all decision within the prescribed framework according to rules of Allah not by the choice of people. Such limitations are placed just to prevent exploitation of man in the name of majority vote and to evolve a well balanced system of social justice under which political powers can be used to eradicate elements causing insecurities and uncertainties among people.

3-Principle of Equality

Islam presents an egalitarian social structure according to which all human beings are equal before Allah. No one is superior to another on the account

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>