Many Westerns would argue Islam and democracy do not mix well and will never mix well. Recent uprisings in the Middle East have probably brought about renewed interest in politics in Islam. Experts say democracy would be best in these countries but that it would never work as Islam doesn’t allow it.
But is Islam truly against democracy?
Islam is the name for the way of life which Allah subhana wa ta'ala wants us to follow. Muslims often avoid the word ‘religion’ because in many non-Islamic societies there is a separation of ‘religion and state.’ This separation is not recognized at all in Islam as Allah is very much concerned with all that we do. This includes political, social, economic, and other aspects of our lives. Hence, Islam is a complete way of life.
Given this, it is not at surprising that Allah is also concerned with the method which we choose to govern ourselves. The main rule which the Islamic state must observe is stated in the Qur’an (4:59): ‘You who believe, obey Allah and the Messenger, and those in authority among you. If you are in dispute over any matter, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you truly believe in Allah and the Last Day: that is better and fairer in the end.’
From this verse, it is clear the state’s obligation of obedience to Allah is just as important as the obedience of the individual. Therefore, the Islamic state must derive its law from the Qur’an and sunnah. There can be no other source.
This principle does exclude certain choices from the Islamic state’s options for political and economic systems such as pure democracy, unrestricted capitalism, communism, and socialism to name a few. For example, pure democracy tends to place the people above the Qur’an and sunnah. This is disobedience to the Creator.
When it comes to a pure democracy, Islam is not in favor of such a government. However, there is an alternative to pure democracy. Such a democracy is one that implements and enforces the law of Islam, Shari’ah.
Allah also states in the Qur’an (42:36-38): ‘What you have been given is only the fleeting enjoyment of this world. Far better and more lasting is what Allah will give to those who believe and trust in their Lord; who shun great sins and gross indecencies; who forgive when they are angry; respond to their Lord; keep up the prayer; conduct their affairs by mutual consultation; give to others out of what We have provided for them.’
In this verse, Allah commands us to conduct our matters by taking counsel among ourselves or by consulting each other. This is the methodology of the Islamic state, to consult one another. But, it’s always paramount to keep the Qur’an and sunnah supreme. Any law which contradicts the Qur’an or sunnah is haram, unlawful.
The broad principle of consultation is definitely wide enough to encompass a form of government where all are heard. Indeed, all are encouraged to be heard. Early Islamic states were of this form and were quite successful. Pure democracy was not a necessary form of government.
The petty governments of many modern so-called Muslims countries do not apply the principle of consultation of others. As such, they often are guilty of crimes against the people. These governments are not Islamic.
While it is partially true Islam is against democracy, this is only because pure democracies place the people above anything else. In Islam, nothing can come before the Qur’an and sunnah. However, with His infinite wisdom, Allah has given us a way to govern people correctly and in a way that benefits all. What more do we need?
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