ISLAMIC DEMOCRACY ?
A brother asks:
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
“Akhi how would we reply to the doubt some bring basically saying we can have a democracy in an lslamic state but it’s based on a shariah constitution so like how in the US.
it’s democracy but they cannot vote to change the constitution since that’s the foundation, so similarly we could have something like that, But the constitution is shariah basically, And everything can be voted on aslong as it doesn’t go against the shariah.
So, like we can vote to legalise or ban things, etc, I figured I’d ask you for your thoughts on this”
Answer:
وعليكم السلام ورحمة الله وبركاته
Democracy and Islam can never be the same. In Islam, we have the concept of shura, and what is used by the shura to determine outcomes is drawn from the Quran and Sunnah.
Democracy contrary to Islam, has its own system of lawmaking and passing bills and determining outcomes, politicians make the laws derived from their own whims and desires.
In fact Democracy is built on the majority ruling. This is achieved through the voting process.
You will be surprised to know that the idea of the majority rules was a concept that the Khawarij had put forth in order to govern their affairs and that of the people.
After their disagreement with both Ali (ra) and Muawiyyah (ra), and after establishing their administration in Haraura, the Khawarij now declared:
“Bai’ah is meant for Allah the Almighty alone. It is our duty to enjoin the good on the people of the land and forbid the evil.
There is no Caliph or ruler in Isla. After gaining victory, all matters must be settled by mutual consultation of the Muslims, and their *Majority should decide all issues.*
Both Ali and Muawiyyah are at fault.” (The History of Islam Vol.1, page 479.)
So, for those who adopt this view point, and screan democracy, calling it fair and just, or foolishly attributing it to Islam, are more in line with the view of the Khawarij and thier view on governance by majority vote.
Let us not forget it was Abu Bakr (ra) who was alone on his view to fight the Bughaat (rebels), while the majority were saying, “Are you going to fight a people who say Lailahailallah”
Allah (swt) sent Mohammed (saw) with a Shariah and a Minhaj, and whoever strays from it will be doomed!.
And Allah knows best.
-Abu ousayd
14 Rabi Al-Akhir 1446H
