Politics: Defining Democracy

In a multicultural, diverse, progressive, technologically advanced society what is the most effective and efficient way to govern, taking into account the rights of the people. Is the best concept of governing a democracy, sovereignty, feudal or tribal? The Holy Quran prefers a democratic system because it is the most effective and beneficial way of governing.

However, the western style of democracy is not exactly correct and the Holy Quran outlines true, pure democracy defining the rules for a government and its citizens clearly. President Obama aswell as many other political leaders believe democracy is the greatest gift to mankind, they are not completely wrong however we need to go back to the unpolluted pure democratic system which was envisioned in Ancient Greece and leaders such as Abraham Lincoln.

The two main pillars of Islamic Democracy are:
1. All democratic elections must be based on trust and integrity. When you exercise your vote do so with the consciousness that God is watching over you and will hold you responsible for your decision. Vote for those above you who are trustworthy and are capable of discharging their responsibilities effectively with honesty and transparency.

2. The second pillar is that governments must always act on the principle of justice. Whenever a government makes a decision, it must be made with absolute justice. Whether the matter is political, religious, social or economical justice must not be comprised. After the government is formed voting within the party must always remain orientated towards justice. Only then can every decision (taken in this spirit) be considered of the people, by the people and for the people.

Mutual consultation is also a key factor in the concept of Islamic democracy and the Holy Quran states:
“And those who hearken to their Lord, and observe Prayer, and whose affairs are decided by mutual consultation, and who spend out of what we have provided for them” – (42:39)

In matters of government, its decisions should be made through mutual consultation. This, of course reminds one of the first part of the definition of democracy i.e. government of the people.

Addressing the citizens of a state God says in the Holy Quran:
“Obey Allah, and obey His Messenger and those who are in authority over you. And if you differ in anything among yourselves refer it to Allah and His Messenger” - (4:60)

Islam teaches citizens of a government to always be law abiding and if the government does anything which is not correct a citizen should remain patient and pray to God to resolve the situation. A citizen should not riot, become violent or cause trouble against those who are in authority or any other person. Patience and Peace are the themes of Islam and one must exercise these themes at all times under all circumstances.

Zubair A. Hayat - Founder of THE AHMADIYYA POST