Islam and Democracy By: Zaheer Abbas (2004/05)

IntroductionDoes Islam have political aspect? Is it against theory and practice of

Democracy? What are the commonalities and differences between Islamic political system and concept of Democracy? These are the questions which are normally raised while studying Islam and Democracy. This essay is an effort to answer these questions.

Quite recently “End of History” [1] is being claimed and resurgence of religions and fundamentalism is being predicted as clash of civilisations [2]. These claims are not based upon true facts and realities on ground: Islam especially is being misrepresented and misunderstood by some thinkers (Muslim and others).

One should pay special attention while putting Islam into any test that Islam should not be attached to a particular nation, group or country; it is a system with consideration and peace for whole mankind. Islamic system and its implementations need to be analysed individually to make a better analysis of both of them and to see connections between them.

Islam is not a static set of rules rather it has both constituents which are necessary for the sustainability of any system: Permanence and Dynamism. Permanent aspects of Islam provide solid ground to establish a firm and just system while dynamic aspects allow necessary adaptability of it to the needs of time and space without losing basic principles.

Terminologies English word democracy is believed to be extracted in the sixteenth century from the French word democratie. This word has its origin in Greek word demokratie, the root meaning being demos (people) and kratos (rule).

As far as Islamic literature is concerned, it does not contain a specific term exactly synonym to democracy, in Islamic history “Caliphate” has been way of governance most of the time. Caliphate means the ruler ship of Islam; Caliph is the spiritual head and temporal ruler of the Islamic state. [3]

A term Jamhuriyat was first used in Turkish language in 18th century and it was derived from the Arabic word Jamhur which means people or assembly. This term was used with reference to the French republic [4] but it is not a popular terminology for governance in Islamic world.

DemocracyLike religion and love; democracy is very difficult to define concretely and

uniquely. There are many definitions of the democracy but one broadly used one is given by Lincoln that "It is a government of the people, by the people and for the people."

Western concept of democracy is considered to be one of the main and strong pillars to build a just and goal oriented society. There are different conceptual and practical forms of democracy. A western political history usually starts with Greek democracies, paying special attention to Athenian democracy as a typical institution.

In past, during Renaissance era of European history, rule of kings and divine right to rule was challenged. There was a popular rebellion against the monarchies and authority of church. This resulted in severing of the relations between politics and religion and people were affirmed as real sovereign and only authority.

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The philosophical roots of the democracy are in the concept of “Popular Sovereignty”. Democracy generally denies relevance of the divine religious guidance to the political system and it affirms that popular consent of the people will be accepted as a source of all authority and power. Western political system strives for worldly welfare of the community and its entire set of rules and implementations generally revolves around this goal.

During evolution process of democratic rule, west made many valuable experiments towards the development of a viable mechanism for the popular participation and resulting system achieved satisfactory success in providing people good level of justice and equality. This concept resulted in different forms of democratic polity: direct, representative, functional, parliamentary, republican, federal, proletarian etc. These all forms emerged due to differences of history, culture, needs and nature of the people at different times and localities. The multiparty system, various electoral systems for the periodic selection of political leadership, separation of judiciary and executive, institutional arrangements for legislation- unicameral and bicameral- are the major dimensions of this political dispansion.

Gains of democratic system have been in the areas of social welfare, good standard of life, justice, national equality. It is quite appreciating that west has developed a system where people are comparatively more involved and satisfied with their political decision making but western democratic thought and experience is not devoid of riddles and contradictions. WB: Gallie calls it an “essentially contestable concept” [5]. Famous Greek political philosophers like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle termed it to be irrational and ineffective.Historian E.H. Car said:

“To speak today of the defence of democracy as if we are defending something which we know and had possessed for many decades or many centuries is self-deception… The criterion must be sought not in the survival of traditional institutions, but in the question where power resides and how it is exercised. In this respect, democracy is a matter of degree. Some countries today are more democratic than others. But none is perhaps very democratic, if any high standard of democracy is applied.”[6]

Some theorists say that democracy is just an illusion since it has following problems [7]:

a) Voters may not have in-depth awareness of the policies of the representatives.b) Voters may not understand where their best interest lies.c) Voters might be duped by the skilful speechmakersd) The range of the candidates may not offer voters genuine choice for selection.e) Voters might select representatives on the basis of irrelevant criteria e.g. on

the basis of their hair colour, beauty etc. Voters are not Experts: Since voters normally do not have enough experience to understand interests of candidates at higher level so it is likely that they select representatives who might not be worthy for a particular responsibility. Misuse of Authority: Those who once get power in the state they might influence the results of the future elections using their authority since they have control over state machinery, resources and have contacts with influential people.The Paradox of Democracy: In some decisions of the state it is very likely that wishes of the minority are ignored. This is against the spirit of participation of all into the decision making process. Similarly some rules from the state might be beneficial for one group and harming for other one.

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Reasons of some failures and miscarriages of democracy mainly have been rapid social, political changes. Standards of right and wrong were subjected to the whims of the people, who began to change their preferences with the passage of time and partial needs which in some cases resulted in side effects for other aspects of life.

Aftermaths of resulting democratic system have been in the form of weakened family system, race for the maximum materialistic gains leaving the weak nations and individuals far behind, unbalance of international political and economic power. In some cases those, who have been able to get control of economy, political set-up, media, state machinery etc, were able to achieve vested interests by using these resources according to their wishes but many countries also have been quite good at bringing fairness in rule.

Western democratic rule contains many good attributes i.e. justice, fairness, accountability, law and order etc. which are result of historical experiences, religious teachings, continues experiments and dedication. Perfection of any ruling system established by humans is impossible since man himself is limited in mental and physical powers.

The Islamic Political SystemIslam is not merely a religion as generally understood in western philosophic

and religious literature rather it is a complete way of life. All aspects of human existence come under the umbrella of Islamic teachings. Islam stands for the sincere and dedicated submission to the commands and guidance from the God (Allah) in all affairs of life. Shariah: Quran, Hadith, Ijma, Qiyaas and Ijtihaad (see meanings of these terms at the end), is the source of guidance for all time and space needs and for all aspects of life: personal and public, moral and mundane, legal and social, economic and educational, national and international.The key elements of the Islamic political order are1): Sovereignty belongs to God, Allah. He is the Creator, the Master, the Sustainer, the Law-giver and the Guard for all creation. Obedience of His commands is a source of peace, justice, bliss and prosperity in this world and it ensures real salvation in the hereafter. Quran states: “Verily His is the creation and His is the Law”. (Chapter# 7, Verse# 54)2): God being the Creator knew what His created humans could do and what kind of rules should be made to stop them from damaging innocent and weak people so that social set-up remains balanced and fair.In Quran this fact is stated as follows:

“Those who avoid great sins and shameful deeds except the small faults, verily, your Lord is of vast forgiveness. He knows you well when He created you from the earth (Adam), and when you were foetuses in your mothers’ wombs. So ascribe not purity to yourselves. He knows best him who fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him”. (Chapter# 53, Verse# 32)3): All human beings have equal status before God and are subjected to same law from Him. The legitimacy of any system comes from its loyalty and obedience to Allah. 4): The position of the human beings on earth is that of God’s vicegerents. They are trusted on earth with adequate sovereignty to run all their individual and collective affairs. Islamic principles of governance are based upon two important points.

a). God’s sovereigntyb). Popular vicegerency of the believers which comes through the will of

community.

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Those who are in authority must enjoy the support and confidence of the community –men and women- and mode of decision making for the Muslim community is mutual consultation. Allah says in Quran:

“… and who (believers) conduct their affairs by mutual consultation…” (Chapter# 42, Verse# 38)

Distinctions of skin colour, caste, tribe and nobility have been abolished and criteria for the leadership and excellence is subjected to the qualities of trustworthiness, competence, God consciousness, dutifulness and sense of accountability in front of God and His creation. Allah says,

“The most honourable in the sight of Allah is the one who excels in piety and heedfulness”. (Quran: Chapter# 49, Verse# 13).5): Islam gives right to the people to stand and speak against the ruler if ruler does not recognise their rights which are given to them by Allah. In Quran Allah says:

“O you who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His messenger, if you do believe in Allah and the Last Day: That is the best and most suitable for final determination”.  (Chapter# 4, Verse# 59) Prophet Muhammad said: “The best form of jihad (fight) is to utter a word of truth to a tyrannical ruler.” (Abudawud, Book of Hadith)6): Although sovereignty lies with God but it is state which is trusted by Him to exercise authority not God. God cannot be an excuse for establishing and legitimising governments that are not accountable to their citizens and not caring to the needs of their community. Allah has asked mankind to be just and fair. On one occasion in Quran, He says:

"And O my people! Give full measure and weight in justice and reduce not the things that are due to the people, and do not commit mischief in the land, causing corruption”.  (Quran, Chapter# 11, Verse# 85)7): Allah has appointed humans for a specific time to run their affairs according to His commands as a test of their obedience and conduct, creating diversity (of inheritance, intellect, status, cultures etc) among them. Quran describes this fact as follows:

“If Allah willed, He would have made you one nation, but that (He) may test you in what He has given you; so strive as in a race in good deeds. The return of you (all) is to Allah”.  (Chapter# 5, Verse# 48)8): An Islamic system does not approve life denial rather it strives for life fulfilment in this world. Allah says:

“But seek, with that (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the Home of the Hereafter, and forget not your portion of legal enjoyment in this world, and do good (to others) as Allah has been good to you, and seek not mischief in the land. Verily, Allah likes not the mischief-makers.” (Quran: Chapter# 28, Verse# 77)9): It is made quite clear by Allah that, after end of life on earth, there will be complete accountability of mankind and full justice will be done on the day of judgement. At one point Quran states about day of judgement as follows:

“And the Book (of Deeds) will be placed (before you); and you will see the sinful in great terror because of what is (recorded) therein; they will say, "Ah! woe to us! what a Book is this! It leaves out nothing small or great, but takes account thereof!" They will find all that they did, placed before them: and your Lord treats no one with injustice.” (Chapter# 18, Verse# 49)

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The History of Islamic PolityProphet Muhammad set an example for community not only from his personal

life and strong spiritual relationship between humans and God but also established a society and state that is a model for the Muslim politico-historical experience. The covenant of Madinah constituted the basis for the social and state system in Madinah.

Charter of Medina was first constitution during the Prophet’s life which was drawn by Prophet Muhammad 500-600 years before the Magna Charta. Charter of Madinah established out a federal rule over the tribe system. This pact was signed by the Prophet and the main non-Muslim tribes – Pagans, Christians and Jews. This charter, which was based upon the strong principles of Islam: equality, freedom and cooperation, became a way of life for the citizens of Medinah.

It is very important to note that the Compact of Madinah was quite democratic in nature. Muslims and non-Muslims were considered equal citizens and they enjoyed full religious autonomy. Principles of equality, consensual governance, and pluralism were central to this compact. It is quite amazing to see that the interpretation of Prophet Muhammad was very democratic, tolerant and compassionate while this was not case with hard liner Muslims like Taliban who are very intolerant, authoritarian and harsh. Main reason of this behaviour of Taliban and other hardliner Muslims is lack of knowledge and broad vision of Islam. Some of the distinct features of the rule of Prophet Muhammad and his immediate successors (Four Caliphs named: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali) are as follows1): The rule of Law and equality of its implementation.2): There was supremacy of the Quran and Hadith while options of Ijma and Ijtihaad were adopted using Quran and Hadith. 3): Consultation was the basic mechanism for decision-making for the selection of political leadership at all levels. First four Caliphs (Rulers) were selected by the consent of majority.4): Human rights protection and contractual obligations in respect to the Muslims in general and to the minorities, states and communities in particular has been a prominent feature of Muslim polity most of the time.5): The separation of the judiciary from the executives and its total independence was another prominent feature of Muslim polity.6): Social security system mainly based upon Zakat (Compulsory transfer payments from the rich to the poor), Sadqah (Voluntary charity contribution), Waqf (trust foundation) lead to the economic balance of society.7): Just, logical and dissent opposition- from individuals as well as from groups- was encouraged.

After golden era of Prophet Muhammad and his successors, Muslim political history has been diverse and it contains many experiments made by different Muslim generations. This is a natural phenomenon that some individuals misuse given authority and power and some Muslims have been doing this too. But in Islamic history there have been many just, sincere and God conscious rulers. Present Situation:

During last 200 years Muslims have been under colonialism and they have suffered intellectually, morally, economically and culturally but mostly Muslims themselves are to be blamed for their problems since generally they ignored their teachings and values. This era resulted in the division of Muslims into two main groups. 1): those who are extremely (more than required) liberal and have very materialistic attitude. 2): those who are very rigid on their religious beliefs and show

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very little flexibility in their concepts. Colonialism directly empowered first group; this group in general did not had strong roots in Islamic faith, knowledge, culture and history. On the other hand religious lot did not actively participated in political and social changes and adopted a rigid stance. This was one of the mistakes of religious people that to some extent they ignored dynamic aspect of Islam. Both groups made mistakes: First group ignored the spiritual aspect of Islam while religious class ignored dynamic aspect of Islam.

Presently most Muslim countries are at impasse, some Muslim leaders and religious authorities are trying to misuse Islam for vested interests. Dysfunctional, corrupt, repressive Muslim states so far do not have enough infrastructure, power and individuals to bring reforms. Puppet, coward and corrupt leaders are ruling most of Muslim countries and people there do not have enough participation into the decisions which affect their own lives. Radicalism results from apathy and despair and it is evident in most of the Muslim countries.

Muslim world is facing many challenges and human history shows that challenges lead to reform and progress. Young Muslim generation especially is quite inclined towards understanding and practice of Islam. Although some of them are naturally a bit volatile due to different factors but majority of it is striving for broader and balanced vision of Islam.

Changes demand time, effort and patience. Rule of Allah is clear for Muslims and any other nation which wants to prosper that is: to strive for the change. Quran states it in following words:

“Surely Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change their own condition”. (Chapter# 13, Verse# 11)

Comparison between Western Democracy and Islamic PolityThere are many aspects common between Islamic polity and Western concept

of democracy although there are also some differences. Let us make comparison of some of the concepts.

Islamic system is based upon interpretation of the rules given by Allah and this interpretation should be done by those who are best in knowledge and practice of Islam. While in democratic system rules are generally invented or reformed by law makers.

Western democracy concentrates upon individual’s development. Starting entity in Islam is also individual correction in accordance with moral values given by Allah; every individual is encouraged and taught to be self responsible and God conscious. In Quran Allah declares:

“Whoever goes right, then he goes right only for the benefit of his own self. And whoever goes astray, then he goes astray to his own loss. No one laden with burdens can bear an others burden”. (Quran: Chapter# 17, Verse# 15)

Western concept of democracy considers the concept of nationalism as basic entity and bonds between individuals are not very strong and permanent. In Islamic polity nationalism is not allowed to prevail over Islamic identity; Muslim community strives for the unity and welfare of whole mankind since Islam considers whole mankind as a family.

Islam is not like theocracy where a certain class or group of people have divine authority to define and establish the law. Any person can be candidate for the leadership and representation if that person is competent for a particular responsibility; this principle is also strong in Western polity.

Islamic rulings in the form of Quran and Hadith are freely available in the pure shape especially Quran is fully intact, these rulings provide solid ground for the rules

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and regulations for an Islamic state. Since most of Muslims have easy and regular access to Quran and Hadith, they may better judge their representatives and also may challenge their unfair rulings according to guidance given by Allah. Unfortunately this methodology is not being followed by Muslims properly.

In Islamic polity there are no official spokesmen of God; whole community is responsible for understanding and implementation of Divine guidance which does not allow even minor harm to the innocent people by people. Like democratic system Islam also ensures freedom of individuals, rule of law and respect for opponents.

Islamic system guides not only for economic welfare of society but also for social balance and strong bonds between individuals, family system especially, is considered quite important. At one place in Quran it is described in following words.

“And give to the near of kin his due and (to) the needy and the wayfarer, and do not squander wastefully”. (Chapter# 17, Verse# 26)

In western democracy concept of accountability in front of God is weak while concept of accountability in front of God is base of Islamic faith and its practice.

This is a common misunderstanding that God is dictating or unjust in nature hence Islam is a cruel and unsympathetic bunch of rules. But in reality this is not true; Islam describes balanced rules of living and then gives freedom to the people to decide their way in this world such that this freedom should not be harmful to society. Quran states clearly about freedom of choice:

“There is no compulsion in religion”. (Chapter# 2, Verse# 256)This is very clear indication that God, Who is all powerful, after mentioning

His Will has given freedom of choice to the people although no body could have resisted had He willed opposite. But this freedom is in personal decisions and no one is allowed to be unjust to mankind in any case. Words of Allah are very clear and strong about it.

“O you who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor”.  (Quran: Chapter# 4, Verse#135)

Islamic and non-Islamic StatesIslamic system has capacity of adapting to the positive changes and needs of

time and space without losing its basics. Followers of Islam may live in any part of world provided they have freedom to fulfil their basic religious duties [8].

Muslims live in a non-Islamic state under a kind of covenant and Allah has asked believers to be honest in their covenants to any one including a non-Islamic state, society, or individual. Quran describes it as follows:

“Keep (your) covenants because indeed on the Day of Judgement you will be held accountable for them”. (Chapter# 17, Verse# 34) 

Allah has made mankind as best creation on earth, He has given extreme importance to all human beings and there is no room for harm to innocent people anywhere in the world be it peace or war. Prophet Muhammad said:

"Allah will not be merciful to those who are not merciful to mankind." (Bukhari, Book of Hadith)

An Islamic state is obliged to protect people belonging to any religion and provides them freedom to live according to their own faith and customs. Muslims are asked to live peacefully and cooperatively with all those nations and individuals who are peaceful and just in nature. It is declared in Quran as follows:

“Therefore if they (non-Muslims) withdraw from you but fight you not, and (instead) send you (guarantees of) peace, then Allah has opened no way for you (to war against them)”. (Chapter# 48, Verse# 90)

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Yet another point Quran describes:“Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith

nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loves those who are just”.  (Chapter# 60, Verse# 8)

ConclusionIt is quite clear that Islam is not afraid of changes in the world; it has potential

to withstand any challenges of time and space without getting unjust, unfair and without losing its foundations. Main problem lies with misunderstanding, ignorance and misuse of Islamic guidance and this is the reason why Muslims do not have stable Islamic states.

Basic difference between Islamic political system and Western concept and practice of democracy is place of sovereignty. Both systems do recognise humans as controller of the world: Islam recognises this control as trusted and defined one from Allah while Democracy generally gives this control fully to the people.

There are many aspects which are common between Western and Islamic polity e.g. freedom, justice, equality, consultation, tolerance and just cooperation. Islam does not ignore human needs, nature and welfare in this world and in addition it also promises ultimate justice and a better life in hereafter. It is a religion which provides strong, just and everlasting rules for all aspects of human life including polity.

It is difference of understanding, vision and sincerity among Muslims towards Islam which has been reason of different outlooks of Islamic system. All those practices which have been contradicting to rulings of Allah were and are due to lack of sincerity and understanding of Muslims towards these rulings. Muslims are not allowed to show aggression against those who are not harming them; there is no room in Islam for damaging civilians or innocent people anywhere in the world by anyone.

There is no fear of clash of civilizations provided there is clear understanding and communication between West and Muslims. Rulings of Allah (Islam) not only provide guidelines for a peaceful, just and dynamic political system but also have great flexibility for peaceful coexistence with any system which follows principles of justice, fairness, freedom and equality.Terminologies: Quran (Koran): The Quran is the Book of Allah (God) that was revealed in Arabic to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) over a period of twenty-three years.Hadith: The utterance, action or indirect approval (of an act) by Prophet Muhammad.Ijma: It refers to the consensus (not contradicting to Quran and Hadith) of the ummah, the community of Muslims, those practicing Islam, or of the Ulema, those learned in the relevant topic.Qiyaas: In Islamic jurisprudence, Qiyas is the process of analogical reasoning from a known injunction (nass ) to a new injunction. It is one of the four undisputed sources of Islamic law, the others being Qu'ranic interpretation, the Hadith, and ijma (Consensus). Ijtihaad: Expending one’s utmost effort in deriving secondary opinions from the four fundamental sources of Islamic law, namely Quran, Hadith, Ijma (The unanimous opinion of all the respected and rightly guided scholars on any Islamic issue), Qiyaas (Analogy).

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References:1: Fukuyama, Francis. (1993). The End of History and the Last Man. New York: The Free Press2: Huntington, Samuel P. “The Clash of Civilizations?” Foreign Affairs, vol. 72. No. 3.Summer 1993, 22-49. See, also, the debate on this thesis, Foreign Affairs, vol. 72, No. 4, 2-26 and No. 5, 186-94. Also, Huntington’s book, The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order (New York: Simon and Shuster, 1996).3: The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition.  2001-05.4: See. Encyclopaedia of Islam5: Gallie, W.B. (1964). Philosophy and the Historical Understanding. London: Chatto + Windus. 1586: Car, E. H. (1951). The New Society. London: Macmillan. 76.7: Nigel Warburton. (1992, 1995, 1999): Philosophy: The Basics. London: Routledge pp. 69-91 8: Wasif Shadid and Sjoerd van Koningsveld (1996). “Loyalty to a non-Muslim Government: An Analysis of Islamic Normative Discussions and of the Views of some Contemporary Islamicists”. Political Participation and Identities of Muslims in non-Muslim States. Kok Pharos, pp. 84-115

Note: This essay is not by a scholar of Islam rather it is an effort by a young muslim student who is not professional in such writings. Hopefully you enjoyed reading.

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