Islamic Democracy

POLITICAL SCIENCE  – Muslim’s Politics

Democracy means ‘free and equal representation of people in a society’.  It is an ongoing procedure of running a system by the will of the majority in a society.  People there make laws and people change them with mutual consultation.  So it basically runs on two characters; the ruling majority and the opposition.

“It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried.”…. Sir Winston Churchill

“In politics, an organized minority is a political majority”… Jesse Jackson

“A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine.”….. Thomas Jefferson

Islam does not deny people’s right to choose and express their opinion.  However, democracy in Islam is different from non-Islamic democracy.  For Muslims, laws have already been ordained in Qur’an.  People don’t make new laws, neither they are allowed to change them.  They only make sure of their proper implementation, which could vary in terms of places and time era.  For that, they are allowed to choose individuals who are wise and firm enough to fulfill this responsibility.  So the system basically runs on the thought of “good vs evil”.  Islam does not separate religion from politics and social life.

The true Islamic democracy only lasted for 40 years, that was 10 years of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)’s government and 29/30 years of Four early Caliphates.  It didn’t fail but lacked the interest of general Muslim population of that time around the world.

What is the purpose of life?  To worship the One, True Lord, Allah, The Exalted One

“I have only created Jinns and men, that they may serve Me.  No sustenance do I require of them, nor do I require that they should feed Me.  For Allah is He Who gives all sustenance, Lord of Power, Steadfast forever”…. Surah Adh-Dhariyaat/The Winnowing Winds 56-58

“Blessed be He in Whose hands is Dominion; and He over all things has Power; He Who created Death and Life, that He may try which of you is best in deed:  and He is the Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving;”…. Surah Al-Mulk/The Sovereignty 1-2

“Have you not seen the one who takes his desires as his gods?  Allah has left him astray and sealed his hearing and his heart (understanding) and put a cover on his sight.  Who, then, will guide him after Allah (has withdrawn guidance)?  Will you not then receive admonition?  And they say: “What is there but our life in this world?  We shall die and live, and nothing but time can destroy us.  But of that they have no knowledge: they merely conjecture:”…. Surah Al-Jathiya/The Crouching 23-24

What is the purpose of death?  a silence/break before final  accountability or judgement

“O My servants who believe! truly, spacious is My Earth: therefore serve you Me – (and Me alone)!  Every soul shall have a taste of death in the end to Us shall you be brought back.”… Surah Al-Ankaboot/The Spider 56,57

“Did you then think that We had created you uselessly and that you would not be brought back to Us (for account)?”… Surah Al-Mu’minoon/The Believers 115

“Say: The Angel of Death, put in charge of you, will (duly) take your souls: then shall you be brought back to your Lord.”…. Surah As-Sajdah/The Prostration 11

“On that Day will men proceed in companies sorted out, to be shown the deeds that they (had done).  Then Shall anyone who has done an atom’s weight of good, see it!  And anyone who has done an atom’s weight of evil, shall see it”…. Surah Az-Zilzaal/The Earthquake 6-8

“The mutual rivalry for piling up (the good things of this world) diverts you (from the more serious things), Until you visit the graves, But nay, you soon shall know (the reality), Again, you soon shall know!  Nay, were you to know with certainty of mind (you would beware!), You shall certainly see Hell-Fire!  Again, you shall see it with certainty of sight!  Then shall you be questioned that Day about the joy (you indulged in!)”… Surah At-Takathur/The Competition in World

What is the sole objective of Islamic Democracy or Islamic Caliphate/Islamic State?

“Verily, We have created everything in due measure“… Surah Al-Qamar/The Moon 49

“Blessed is He Who sent down the criterion (Qur’an) to His servant, that it may be an admonition to all creatures;  He to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: no son has He begotten, nor has He a partner in His dominion:  it is He who created all things, and ordered then in due proportion.”…. Surah Al-Furqan/The Criterion 1-2

“and He has set up the balance, In order that you may not transgress (due) balance“… Surah Ar-Rahman/The Most Gracious 7-8

To serve with Justice according to the Will of Allah, subsequently followed by peace and prosperity is the sole objective of Islamic Democracy.  In Arabic ‘adl’, it literally means to place things on their right places, it also means to distribute or deliver duly.  The opposite of ‘adl’ is “zulm”, which literally means to displace things, also means not to deliver duly.

“Allah commands justice, the doing of good and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustices and rebellion:  He instructs you, that you may receive admonition.”…. Surah An-Nahl/The Bee 90

“O ye who believe! stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.”…. Surah Al-Maida/The Table Spread 8

“O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well- acquainted with all that ye do”…. Surah An-Nisa/The Women 135

“whenever you speak, speak justly, even if a near relative is concerned;”….. Surah Al-An’aam/The Livestock 152

“I believe in the Book which Allah has sent down; and I am commanded to judge justly between you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord: for us (is the responsibility for) our deeds, and for you for your deeds. There is no contention between us and you. Allah will bring us together, and to Him is (our) Final Goal.”…. Surah Ash-Shura/The Council 15

http://www.ediscoverislam.com/About-Islam/Islamic-Law-and-legal-Systems/judicial-ruling-justice-rights-in-islam

How is ‘justice’ supposed to be delivered in Islam?

“Teamwork” and “Shura/Consultation” – are the two main components of Islamic Democracy, which are constantly required to strengthen and run a system for a long period of time.  These two factors are responsible for constituting the bylaws for every process and all economical, political and social activities.

What is a system?  A planned and organized coordination among variety of elements that can work together for a long time.  Just like the solar system which continues the cycle of seasons and day and night.  Like the circulatory system, nervous system, respiratory system, digestive system, reproductive system and many other organ systems that enable a body to work properly.  Even a simple machine like a nail cutter works on a system.

What is shura/consultation?  A discussion, an argument, a conference, the dialogue in order to make a decision that is acceptable for majority.

Teamwork in Qur’an: 

“And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah’s  favour on you; for you were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, you became brethren; and you were on the brink of the pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus Allah makes His Signs clear to you: That you may be guided.  Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong.  They are the ones to attain felicity.  Be not like those who are divided amongst themselves and fall into disputations after receiving clear signs:  For them is a dreadful penalty.” …… Surah Ale-e-Imran/The Family of Imran 103-105

“And cooperate with one another towards righteousness and piety and do not cooperate towards sinfulness and aggression.”… Surah Al-Maidah/The Table Spread 2

“Truly Allah loves those who fight in His Cause in battle array, as if they were a solid cemented structure.”…... Surah As-Sauff/The Battle Array 4

Qur’an also suggests grouping, making institutions or departments for smooth running of a system and easy deliverance, such as educational institutions or training centers, army, etc.

“Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong.”… Surah Aal-e-Imran/The Family of Imran 104

“Nor should the Believers all go forth together: if a contingent from every expedition remained behind, they could devote themselves to studies in religion, and admonish the people when they return to them,- that thus they (may learn) to guard themselves (against evil).”…. Surah At-Taubah/The Repentance 122

Shura/Consultation in Qura’n: 

” Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual Consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance; And those who, when an oppressive wrong is inflicted on them, (are not cowed but) help and defend themselves.  The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah, for Allah loves not those who do wrong.  But indeed if any do help and defend themselves after a wrong done to them, against such there is no cause of blame.  The blame is only against those who oppress men and wrong -doing and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and justice: for such there will be a penalty grievous.  But indeed if any show patience and forgive, that would truly be an exercise of courageous will and resolution in the conduct of affairs.” …. Surah Ash-Shura/The Consultation 37-43

“It is part of the Mercy of Allah that you deal gently with them, Were you severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you: so pass over (Their faults), and ask for ((Allah)’s) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when you has taken a decision put your trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).  If Allah helps you, none can overcome you:  if He forsakes you, who is there, after that, that can help you? in Allah, then, Let believers put their trust.”….. Surah Al-e-Imran/The Family of Imran 159-160

“O you who believe!  When you hold secret counsel, do it not for iniquity and hostility, and disobedience to the Prophet; but do it for righteousness and self-restraint; and fear Allah, to Whom you shall be brought back.  Secret counsels are only (inspired) by the Evil One, in order that he may cause grief to the Believers; but he cannot harm them in the least, except as Allah permits; and on Allah let the Believers put their trust.” … Surah Al-Mujadilah/The Pleading Woman 9-10

What are the characteristics of Islamic Democracy?   Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “I have been sent to perfect good manners.

“Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah.”….Surah Al-Ahzaab/The Combined Forces 21

“And indeed you (O Muhammad) stand on an exalted standard of character.”… Surah Al-Qalam/The Pen 4

“Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you.“… Surah Al-Hujraat/The Apartments 13

Islamic Ethics are the soul of Islamic Democracy.  These are the qualities that believers recognize each other with.  ”  The fold of Islamic Ethics encompasses all human characteristics, such as truth, honesty, patience, loyalty, bravery, wisdom, equality, etc., all manners such as how to eat, how to talk, how to sleep, how to communicate, how to treat and all forms of worships, such as Salah, Zakah, Saum, Hajj, Umrah, Charity, Qur’an recitation and invocations.  In the light of above verses from Surah Al-Ahzaab and Surah Al-Qalam, it also defines the duties of the head of the state.

“Successful indeed are the believer, Those who humble themselves in their prayers;  Who avoid vain talk; Those who pay Zakah;  Those who guard their chastity, except from their wives and their right hand possess, for then they are free from blame;  But those who seek beyond, those are the transgressors;  Those who faithfully observe their trusts and their covenants;  And who (strictly) guard their prayers;”…… Surah Al-Mu’minoon/The Believers 1-9

“Not so those devoted to Prayer;  Those who remain steadfast to their prayer; And those in whose wealth is a recognized right, for the needy who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from asking);  And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgement; And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgement;  And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord, for their Lord’s displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquility;  And those who guard their chastity, except with their wives and whom their right hands possess, for then they are not to be blamed, But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;  And those who respect their trusts and covenants;  And those who stand firm in their testimonies;  And those who guard their prayers;  Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens of Bliss”.… Surah Al-Ma’arij/The Ascending Stairway 22-35

“And the servants of Allah, The Most Gracious, are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say “Peace!”;  Those who spend the night in adoration of their Lord prostrate and standing;  Those who say, “Our Lord! avert from us the Wrath of Hell, for its Wrath is indeed an affliction grievous, “Evil indeed is it as an abode, and as a place to rest in;  Those who when they spend, are not extravagant and not niggardly, but hold a balance between those extremes;  Those who invoke not, with Allah, any other god, nor slay such life as Allah has forbidden except for just cause, nor commit fornication, and whoever does this shall receive punishment;  The penalty on the Day of Judgment will be doubled to him, and he will dwell therein in ignominy, unless he repent, believes and works righteous deeds, for Allah will change the evil of such persons into good, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful; And whoever repents and does good has truly turned to Allah with a conversion;  Those who witness no falsehood, and, if they pass by futility, they pass by it with honourable avoidance;  Those who, when they are admonished with the signs of their Lord, droop not down at then as if they were deaf or blind; And those who pray, Our Lord! Grant unto us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and give us the grace to lead the righteous.”  ……… Surah Al-Furqan/The Criterion 63-74

“Behold, Luqman said to his son by way of instruction: “O my son! join not in worship others with Allah, for false worship is indeed the highest wrong-doing;  And We have enjoined on man to be good to his parents, in travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years twain was his weaning: (hear the command), “show gratitude to Me and to your parents, to Me is your final Goal;  But if they ask you to associate partners with Me of which you have no knowledge, obey then not;  yet bear them company i this life with justice, and follow the way of those who turn to me in love, in the end the return of you all is to Me, and I will tell you the truth of all that you did;  O my Son! if there be but the weight of a mustard seed and it were hidden in a rock, or i the heavens or on earth, Allah will bring it forth, for Allah understand the finest mysteries, and is well-acquainted with them;  And swell not your cheek in pride at men, nor walk in insolence through the earth, for Allah loves not any arrogant boaster;  And be moderate in your pace, and lower your voice; for the harshest of sounds without doubt is the braying of the ass: ……. Surah Luqman/Luqman (a pious man in history) 13-19

“It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards east or west; but it is righteousness to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be the steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfill the contracts which you have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic.  Such are the people of truth, the God-fearing”…… Surah Al-Baqarah/The Cow 177

Islamic Countries and Muslim Rulers:

Excluding the era of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the first four Caliphs of Islam and may be a couple of more – from Yazid ibn Muawiya, then the Muslim dynasties during the so-called caliphate, Mughal Emporers in the Sub-Continent, the warriors in tribal areas, Saddam Hussain in Iraq, Qaddafi in Libya, Yasir Arafat in Palestine, Ben Ali in Tunisia, Husni Mubarak in Egypt, Ali Abdullah Saleh in Yemen, Bashar Al-Asad in Syria, Al-Malik ibn Al-Hussain (known as Kind Abdullah II) in Jordan, King Hamad bin Isa in Bahrain, Karzai in Afghanistan, Asif Ali Zardari in Pakistan and almost all Sultans, Kings, Presidents or Head of the State in Muslim countries are first adored and later hated and rejected by their own people.  Iran’s example is a little different from other countries.

All Muslim leaders come into power through informal ways and stick to the highest position until their honourable or humiliated death.  Their children, siblings or relatives then fight to seize the power.  It is one-man show going on everywhere.  The whole nation depends on the likes and dislikes of a sole authority.  They county runs around one man or one dynasty and when that ‘man’ is gone, the system collapses.  Nor the rulers/leaders neither public bother to think about how the next generation will survive.  They don’t prepare leaders for tomorrow.  They all deliberately violate the principles of Islamic Democracy.  This is what causes their fall or humiliated death.

What have we been doing as an Ummah throughout the history?  Fighting and murdering each other is the best answer.  The worst thing about this is that we haven’t seem like sick and tired of this practice.  Either we fight or be stranger to each other. Is this what we were titled as Ummah/One Nation for?

In South Asia, Mughal Emperors ruled for centuries, they conspired against each other, killed their fathers, brothers, relatives to control power and even common people for stupid reasons.  Everybody knows how they filled their treasure. They wasted money on building tombs and monuments in remembrance of their beloved ones.   Do we ever mention them as murderers?  Do we ever call them greedy and corrupted?  No, instead we teach them as great kings who were unique in architecture, music, poetry etc.  They didn’t do anything for the welfare of general public.  And public recall their love worthless love stories as the purpose of life.  Most of the Muslim warriors fought against Muslim rulers.  We remember them all as heroes.

In Arab countries, dictators ruled for decades.  They focused more on how to stay in power rather than plan for the welfare of general public.  No charges against them were ever made against them.  Muslims just replace one ruler with another without attempting any charge sheet against the criminals.  Same is the case in Pakistan.

What about the global message of peace and justice in form of a government that we were supposed to deliver to the world?  When are we going to do that?