Three Arguments in Defense of Inclusive and Democratic Political Institutions in Islam
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66362/iji.v2i1.31Keywords:
Islam, Democracy, Economic Development, Authoritarianism, Quran, Civil RightsAbstract
The political system of most predominantly Muslim countries is either authoritarian or semi- democratic. The common understanding of the Islamic texts on politics is that Islam calls obedience toward the rulers, which implies that it is compatible with the authoritarian mode of governance. In this article I argue that a careful examination of Quranic text and the Hadith (behavior and decisions of prophet Mohammad) demand that a Muslim society be governed as a democratic system. Citizens (believers) must obey the ruler, but the legitimacy of the ruler can only be assured by majority support in political elections. I also argue the rights and protections that have been granted to the people of the Book (Christian and Jews) implies that an Islamic society must guaranty freedom of lifestyle and belief for all citizens even when those behaviors and believes are considered sinful in Islam. Finally, the article argues that democracy will be beneficial for empowerment and economic prosperity of Muslim nations.
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