Clash of Democracy And Islam

By  Afshan Khan

There has been quite a debate over the subject of whether the Islam is compatible or in contradiction with modern Democracy. Both the extremist and moderate Muslim and non Muslim scholars have expressed their views on this ever boiling issue. I think at this historical juncture of our times, when we are witnessing turbulence in large part of Muslim world whether it is in Afghanistan or Pakistan or the current Iranian crisis and Iraqi struggle with Democracy, this issue demands serious and more immediate thought and understanding, which can lead us toward a reasonable agreement, if not complete consensus.

There are certain facts which clears the shrouded argument of Islam as hindrance to Democratic process of Muslim countries.

The primary principal of Islam is the “Tauheed”, means unity of God and thus establishing the sovereignty of One God, thereby making the sharia as the code of governance. This idea which is the core basis for Islam clearly contradicts with any form of dictatorship. As sovereignty of one man directly contradicts with sovereignty of One God. As Islam strongly declares that all men are created equal in front of God, which means they have equal say in all affairs of governance, which is the core of “democracy”. Hence any kind of dictatorship is in complete clash with Islamic primary ideal, which is “Unity of God, not the Unity of State sovereign”; thereby making it clear that democracy is precursor for the doctrine of “Unity of God”.

Another striking fact that is “Compact of Medina (Medina Charter or Medina Constitution)”, which is a historical record proves modern democracy has roots in 7th century Islam. “The Compact of Medina”, which was drawn and established by prophet Muhammad {PBUP} upon his migration from Mecca to Medina includes Quraysh, Ansar, migrant and indigenousness Muslims as well Jews providing them equal rights and protections,

http://www.constitution.org/cons/medina/con_medina.htm.

One of the true test of democracy was the election of Khalifa Abu Bakar after prophet Muhammad’s {PBUP} death, to lead and guide the Islamic world. As prophet Muhammad {PBUP} had called upon his followers to choose the “Best Among You”, not his own kith and kin after him, to lead the Islamic world. This clearly makes prophet Muhammad {PBUP} the pioneer of democracy. The popular selection of Abu Bakar by majority had created the rift between the followers of Ali, who is closest relative of prophet Muhammad {PBUP} and the rest of Muslim tribes. Hence the result is Shia and Sunni rift. Election of Abu bakar as the first Khalifa after prophet Muhammad {PBUP}, not Hazrath Ali is the greatest testament of democracy in the Islamic world. It had completely ruled out any form of Monarchy or dictatorship which is based on divine rule of one family, which was widely prevalent in every corner of the world.

Furthermore Islam has been instrumental in the empowerment of women for the first time in the history of mankind. http://muslimsvoiceofamerica.com/blog/2009/04/taliban-false-soldiers-of-islam. Islam has clearly established the rights of the women through granting them, the right to inherit property and right to divorce, thereby establishing the equality which was hitherto unknown in any civilization.
This shows Islam has been the torch bearer of democratic ideals since centuries. Principles of equality, liberty, and justice are clearly inherent in Islam.

Now the questions arise, is the Islamic form of democracy is in tune with the western style of democracy? Can there be different variations or forms of democracy adhering to universal principles of equality, liberty, and justice? Which are clearly inherent in Islam. Most important question is, are we suppose to dictate and impose our form of democracy in every part of the world, if so then why aren’t we committed to spreading democracy indiscriminately through out the Mideast and the world? Why are we picking and choosing? Why have we been supporting the dictators?