IS ISLAM AGAINST DEMOCRACY?

IS ISLAM AGAINST DEMOCRACY? T HE answer is in the negative. Islam itself is a system of democracy, not only in political matters but also in other social matters. There is a clear direction in the Quran in this regard. The Quran has this to say — Affairs of the believers are decided by mutual consultation. (42: 38) It means that in every social issue Muslims must follow the method of mutual consultation. If they reach a consensus, then it is good; otherwise the matter will be decided by the majority. Democracy is another name for the rule of majority, and the same principle is accepted in Islam. The Prophet of Islam used to adopt this principle in every matter. He used to gather people whenever he was faced with a problem. He asked them to give their opinions, and the matter was settled only after discussion with his companions. It is on record that sometimes the Prophet accepted the opinion of the majority, even though it was against his personal opinion. One such example is found at the time of the battle of Uhud in 2 A.H. During this battle the Prophet felt that they should stay back in Madinah and defend themselves, whereas his companions were of the opinion that they should go on to the outskirts. The prophet agreed to the opinion of the majority. The Prophet of Islam said — “As you are, so will be your rulers.” HADITH REPORTED BY AL-BAIHAQI It means that the government will be formed by the people’s opinion. That is, the democratic process will determine who will be the ruler of the nation. The government cannot be formed by an individual; it is subject to the opinion of the majority. The well-known dictum of democracy — “Government of the people, by the people, for the people” is also accepted by Islam. It is very important to know that ‘khurooj’ or political revolt is ‘haraam’ Islam is a system of democracy; not only politically, but also socially.