Islam and Democracy in Arab States - Are they Compatible?
Taken from: churchandstate.org
By Amana Tashfeen/Arab America Contributing Writer
Islamic thinkers and the general Muslim public have many different perspectives on the Islam and democracy debate. This subject is widely discussed amongst Arab countries. The question of whether Islam and democracy are compatible relates to the history of democracy in Arab regions. Let’s take a look at the factors that come into play when understanding the relationship between Islam and democracy.
The three main aspects to consider when evaluating this relationship is: 1) the understanding that religion and democracy are not correlated in the sense that one religion is better for democracy than another; 2) Islamic ideas reflect the characteristics of western democratic government structures, and 3) there is consistency present between democracy and Islam.
Religion vs. Politics – Are there limitations?
First, it is important to understand the relationship between Islamic and democracy. Religion, especially Islam, is not meant to serve as a limitation by the boundaries created by society and other countries. Islamic values are presented in contextual terms and can be adjusted to fit a governing system. It is wrong to conclude that the lack of democracy in the Islamic-Arab word is explained by religion. There is a narrow understanding of the two concepts individually. Islam, like any other religion, can serve to be compatible within any system depending on the different ideologies of the religion and the interpretation of these principles.
Taken from: arabstates.undp
Ruling and Structure of Shura (Consultation)
Moderate Islamic views emphasize the concepts of shura (consultation), maslaha (public interest), and adl (justice). Shura (consultation) serves as an important Islamic idea concerned with the structure of ruling, and is sometimes considered to be a pillar of Islamic polity. Islamic scholars have commonly recognized the term shura as one that is most strongly associated with the concept of democracy. In fact, many people argue that shura itself is an Islamic form of democracy. While scholars oppose any distinction between the two, they acknowledge the concept to serve as the basic foundation of political Islam and implementing representative democracy. Ultimately, the ruling on shura in the Quran provides evidence that consultation should serve as the basis for all decision-making. Furthermore, Islamic thinkers have compared the concept of Shura, bound by Islamic principles, to western principles of democracy.
Now, if we were to look at the core structure of the principle of shura, we can see that it closely resembles one of a democratic structure. For example, both shura and democracies say the majority view should decide the public issue, all persons are equal through civil rights (and human), and highlight a similar view on equality, unity, and justice. These core principles highlight that Islam and democracy are intertwined, and thus, compatible.
Taken from: arabstates.unfpa
Democratic History in the Arab States
Thinkers use the complex history between secular democracy and Arab-Islamic culture in the Middle East to reject compatibility between Islam and democracy in a region sometimes characterized for its authoritarian power structures, with many kings, generals, and dictators and undemocratic beliefs. However, the majority of the Muslim population resides in non-Arab regions such as Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and other areas with democratic rule. Furthermore, Arab states such as Tunisia, lead the way in transitioning to democracy and rejecting the notion of there being an exception to Arab-states when it comes to democracy. Surely, states in the Middle East can work to reach a sense of stability and peace through the process of a democratic resolution. When analyzing the bigger picture, Muslims in the west, as a representation of Islam, don’t seem to have any issue with living in a democratic society. In fact, many are in support of this. The general Muslim public advocate for democratic ideas, and more often than not, play an active public role in democratic countries.
It is important to understand that Islam is not meant to serve as a barrier toward government systems in any way, and instead, encourages a democracy-like system through the practice of Islamic traditions, like shura.
Intro: The argument on whether Islam and democracy are compatible serves to be a prominent theme in the subject of political Islam. Let’s break apart the two terms and build a greater understanding.
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