Defining the relationship between Islam and democracy has been problematic. For, the confusions and debates pertaining to this subject are not limited to some Non-Muslim scholars or orientalists, Muslims, too, have been sharply divided in their understandings and approaches toward democracy.

Despite Islam's emphasis on 'God's sovereignty', it does not oppose democracy but speaks for it and allows the believers to form such a state. Recognition of shariah does not eliminate the role of human opinion, or legislation. "Shura" should be vested in parliament which would be elected by the people and would have legislative powers. 

"If democracy is meant the liberal model of government prevailing in the West, a system under which the people freely choose their representatives and leaders, and in which there is an alternation of power, as well as all freedoms and human rights for the public, then the Muslims will find nothing in their religion to oppose democracy, and it is not in their interest to do so anyway." (John Esposito & John Voll, Contemporary Makers of Islam, p114) 

Today, while the leaders of mainstream Islamic movements everywhere emphasize the importance of democracy, demand for elections and participate in that process wherever and whenever they are allowed to do so, the secular and Islamophobic regimes and their patrons who claim to be the 'champions' of democracy, are creating all the barriers to keep them out of this process.

"Islam and democracy are not contradictory to each other. Democracy is the form of government based on the will of the people as well as run and changed with their consent only. This is also the form of Islamic government. But the values of western democracy are not identical with those of Islam." (Selected  Speeches and Writings of Maulana Mawdudi, Vol. 2, p.198)

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The Rights of Non-Muslims in a Muslim State

Allah forbids you with regard to those who fight you not in faith nor drive you not out of you homes from dealing with them kindly justly and gently, for Allah loves those who are just. Allah only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for your faith, drive you out of your homes and support others in driving you, from taking them as protectors."   (Al- Mutahanah 8-9)

Written by Shaikh Rashid Gannouchi

BOOK REVIEW

The Role of Orientalist Centres

Islam's Approach Towards Democracy

It is the duty of the Islamic Movement in the coming phase to stand firm against totalitarian and dictatorial rule, political despotism and usurpation of people's right. The Islamic Movement should always stand by political freedom, as represented by a true, not false, democracy. It should clearly declare its refusal of tyrants and steer clear of all dictators. 

Written by Shaikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi

Islam And Democracy: 
Perceptions And Misperceptions

Democracy is identified as a cornerstone of western civilization and it is strongly prescribed for the rest of the world and humanity. Indeed, sometimes it is even promoted as a panacea. Discourses involving Islam, Muslim world and democracy are proliferating. But what really is the relationship between Islam and democracy? Are they even compatible?

Written by Mohammad Omar Farooq, Ph.D.

Shura and The Islamic Vision of Democracy

The essence of democracy is the representation of the members of a political or social unit in managing its affairs. Despite the nobility of its concept and many virtues, a major weakness of the model is that an individual considers himself minuscule in the big picture and ineffective in influencing the behavior of those who are entrusted with the responsibility of leading the unit. Overall, it is a small but organized minority, comprising of interest groups, opinion makers and the like, that makes decisions for a disenchanted majority by default and charts out its future.

Written by M. Riaz Khan, Ph.D.

Democracy and the Majority Principle in Islamic Legal-Political Thought

The Majority Principle is one of the cornerstones of democratic thought and practice. It is also one of the concepts that are often disputed by Muslims, many of whom claim that it has no place in Islamic political thought. This article will deal with the Islamic heritage in connection with the issue at hand.

Written by Ermin Sinanovic

Spirit of Tolerance in Islam

Intolerance is on the increase in the world today, causing death, genocide, violence, religious persecution as well as confrontations on different levels. Some times it is racial and ethnic, some times it is religious and ideological, other times it is political and social. In every situation it is evil and painful. How can we solve the problem of intolerance? How can we assert our own beliefs and positions without being intolerant to others? How can we bring tolerance into the world today?

Written by Muzammil H. Siddiqi, Ph.D.

Major Principles of Islamic Governance

The position of humankind is that of Allah's vicegerent (khalifah), or Allah Taala's representative on earth. The nature of this vicegerency (khilafah) described in the Qur'an is as follows. Whatever capacities and abilities humans possess, they are bestowed upon them by Allah Taala. Allah Taala bestowed these gifts on humans so that using them and the will granted them by Allah Taala, they follow and establish His will in their lives as His representatives and not as autonomous entities.

Written by Siraj Islam Mufti, Ph.D.

Democracy and Islam: A Response to Some Misgivings

Islamic parties and Islamic scholars of the modern world almost invariably think of a political system wherein government will run the country through Parliament. They also want freedom of expression, voting right of the people, rule of law, independent & free judiciary, free press, fundamental human rights etc.

Written by Shah Abdul Hannan

Insuring Justice, Peace and Harmony in a Democratic Setup

Does unanimity necessarily imply correctness? One should not forget that indiscriminate use of the majority's rule could bring about more harm than good to any system. Literal application of the concept of democracy without any regard to divine guidance and scruples of conscience can be disastrous.

Written by Abu Muhammad Asad, Ph.D.