ASK MAULANA

democracy follows an absolute pattern that is, government of the people. However, in Islam there is no such absolute principle, rather the principle that works is followed. This is why the four early caliphs of Islam were elected through four different methods. Umar ibn Abdul Aziz is considered the fifth Pious Caliph, however, his appointment to caliphate was different from the way in which each of the previous four Pious Caliphs was elected. The dynastic pattern was adopted in the period of the Companions and in entire Islamic history no noteworthy Islamic scholar issued any condemnation against it. This continues, and present Arab rulers are a part of it. Islam has no such criterion that the rulers should be elected by the people, rather the concern of Islam is religious freedom, which is available in Muslim countries today. The activities of those who want to bring democracy to Arab countries have nothing to do with Islam. Experience shows that Muslim countries where democracy was introduced in a partial sense has only led to anarchy. Where there is a choice between anarchy and stability, stability will certainly be preferred. This is the Islamic stand. Many of the commentators who explain the Conquest of Makkah view it as a military conquest whereas it was more so a fath (an opening). How do we best understand and articulate this concept of an opening? Historical documents do not subscribe to the view that Makkah was a case of military conquest in the political sense. There is no evidence that force was involved in this operation. The truth is that the Prophet’s march to Makkah was entirely a peaceful one. It was not, therefore, a conquest, rather it was an acceptance of Islam by free choice at the mass level. According to historical documents, there were some very strong opponents of the Prophet in Makkah. They were all killed in the Battle of Badr in 624 AD. On removal of this opposition, almost all other Makkan people had accepted Islam, first without open declaration and later with declaration. This happened because prior to and after the Hudaybiya agreement, extensive dawah or preaching was done among the Makkans. This created a soft corner for Islam among an overwhelming majority of the Makkans. When the Prophet entered Makkah along with his Companions, he faced no resistance. This shows that the Makkans accepted Islam by choice and not through political compulsion. Hence the reference to this in the Quran is in these words: ‘When God’s help and victory come, and you see people entering God’s religion in multitudes.’ (110: 1-2)