RELIGIOUS STATE VERSUS DEMOCRATIC STATE
Social Affairs by Consensus
SOME people believe that Islam advocates for a religious state. But, this is not true. The Islamic concept of state is almost the same as what is termed the democratic state today. The Islamic concept of state is mentioned in the Quran in these words:
Their affairs are conducted by mutual consultation.
THE QURAN 42: 38
This is a general principle. It covers non-political institutions as well as the political state. It means that as far as social affairs are concerned, there are no dogmatic principles in Islam. Social affairs will be decided through consensus of opinion. The well-known principle, 'Government of the people' is not a principle of democracy; it is a principle of nature.
Every believer must adopt his personal conduct on ideal principles, but as far as social affairs or social institutions are concerned, they will be managed by way of shura, or democratic consultation.
If you read the Quran, you will find that it does not speak of any welldefined political system. In the Quran there are verses like:
Establish your prayers.
THE QURAN 2: 43
But, there is no such verse in the entire Quran that says: Establish the rule of Islam. Also, in the history of Islam, there has been no particular political system. For example, the four Caliphs of the early period of Islam were elected through four different methods. After the Khilafate-Rashida, dynasties were formed throughout Muslim history. Muslim scholars accepted this pattern of government without any objection.
In a political system, there are only two options: the first is insistence of a preordained pattern of governance. This kind of pattern is bound to create eternal confrontation, even violence. The history of theocratic states is enough to prove this point. In fact, this option is not a peaceful option. The second option in this regard is the same as what is called democracy in modern times. Democracy means the rule of majority. It is a form of government in which all citizens participate equally. In democracy, there are no dogmatic or permanent principles.
The well-known principle, 'Government of the people' is not just a principle of democracy; it is a principle of nature.
Islam differentiates between two aspects of life: the individual aspect and the social aspect. In individual matters like belief, worship and moral values, Islam advocates idealism. Every believer must model his personal conduct on ideal principles, but as far as social affairs or social institutions are concerned, they will be managed by way of shura, or democracy.
This differentiation is the only method that ensures peace in society. And, as we have learned, peace is a must for all kinds of development, both religious and secular.
Consultation is not an isolated habit.
The willingness to engage in it
results directly from qualities
like modesty, sincerity,
caution and the
spirit of learning.
Without these qualities, no one
can engage sincerely
in consultation.