Democracy (Islamic Perspectives)

Democracy (Islamic Perspectives)

Definition

Democracy is a form of government in which the people choose their legislators and executive leaders through free and fair elections. Many modern thinkers posit that democracy is compatible with Islamic principles.

Etymology

The term Democracy derives from the Greek word dēmokratía (δημοκρατία), which means “rule by the people”. In Arabic, democracy is referred to as الديمقراطية (al-dīmūqrāṭiyyah). In Turkish, it is called demokrasi.

Scriptural Foundations

The Qur’an urges Muslims to consult with each other when conducting affairs (Surah Ash-Shura, 42:38), a concept known as Shura (شورى), which provides an Islamic precedent for collective decision-making and, by extension, democratic elections. The Qur’an also forbids compulsion in religion (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:256), laying the groundwork for tolerance of religious and political pluralism and the equality of Muslims and non-Muslims in civic rights and duties.

Principles and Legal Foundations

One important Islamic legal principle that serves as a foundation for democratic governance is Ijma (إجماع), or consensus. This concept has been traditionally understood to mean the general agreement of the community on religious issues, but in modern interpretations, it is extended to imply collective decision-making in civic matters.

Historical Evolution

Classical Period

During the early Islamic period, the concept of consultation was practiced by the rightly guided Caliphs. The caliphate of the Rashidun is often cited as an early example of Islamic governance involving a system of council and community agreement.

Modern Period

The modern history of democracy in Islam began with the Egyptian reformer Muhammad Abduh (1849-1905), who sought to strengthen the moral roots of Islamic society by returning to the past while recognizing the necessity for change, linking modernity to the teachings of Islam. He framed Islam as the moral basis of a progressive society.

In the early twentieth century, constitutional democracy found numerous advocates among supporters of secularism. Intellectuals and reformers saw democratic systems as compatible with Islamic ethical imperatives and conducive to civil justice.

Contemporary Period

During the latter half of the twentieth century, the political and socioeconomic failures of various Arab governments, combined with the rising civil strife, led to a broader agenda of grievances against regimes. This spurred a larger public search for Islamic revivalism as the only valid basis for social and political life. Various Islamist movements began advocating for a return to sharia as a means to achieve not just religious, but also civic and moral, governance.

Notable Concepts

• Bay’ah (بيعة): A pledge of allegiance, originally to a leader.
• Maslahah (مصلحة): Principle of public interest which plays a role in the derivation of Islamic rulings.
• Shura (شورى): Deliberation process among the faithful, often cited as a foundational element in Islamic governance echoing democratic principles.

Suggested Reading

1. Esposito, John L. Islam and Democracy: Muslim Voices and Democracy’s Future. Oxford University Press, 1996.
2. Abou El Fadl, Khaled M. Islam and the Challenge of Democracy. Princeton University Press, 2004.
3. Tibi, Bassam. Islamism and Islam. Yale University Press, 2012.
4. Mawdudi, Abul A’la. Political Theory of Islam. Islamic Publications Al-Rasheed Printers, Lahore.

Takeaways

• Islamic principles like Shura and Ijma provide a scriptural and legal foundation for implementing democratic governance compatible with an Islamic worldview.
• Historical figures such as Muhammad Abduh exemplify attempts to reconcile Islamic teachings with democratic principles.
• Contemporary discourse in the Muslim world includes significant advocacy for democracy as well as criticisms and discussions on the best way to harmonize it with Islamic traditions.

Conclusion

Democracy’s compatibility with Islamic principles remains a nuanced and evolving subject, being actively interpreted and reinterpreted by scholars, reformers, and political figures. As Muslim-majority societies continue to navigate political landscapes, the interplay between traditional Islamic governance and modern democratic principles will likely remain a vibrant area of discourse and development.