3:A The compatibility of Islam with democracy
For Against
- The prophet consulted the people of Madinah when he set - In democracies, the people vote for new laws which then
up the early muslim community (constitution of Madinah) and have to be implemented. If these laws were to go against the
consulted with them before battles to listen to their views, like rulings of the Quran they would have to be opposed,
a parliament. meaning democracy is limited.
- Early Caliphs were appointed by consent of the people using - Other muslims associate democracy with christian
consultations called Shura. colonialism and aim to build an Islamic system based on
- Some muslims see their religion as a personal and family Sharia
matter that does not intertwine with public political matters, - Sayyid Qutb felt that God’s law was above democracy as it is
and so living in a secular society and being a muslim is imperfect for example, if a population faces a stressful
wholly compatible. situation, oppressive democrats may be voted in.
- In the UK, many muslims support democracy with some - Some believe that western powers should not lecture muslim
democratically elected politicians, including Sadiq Khan, countries about democracy. Edward Said calls it hypocritical
even being muslims. and ignorant.
- Ellen Willis believes that democracy has a powerful role to
play in Islam through the liberation of muslims.
Jimmy Carter - The largest democracy on earth is India (hindu). The third largest democracy is Indonesia (muslim). “democracy and freedom are not
dependent on christian beliefs”
Sarojini Naidu - “It was the first religion that preached and practiced democracy… when the peasant and King kneel side by side and proclaim: God alone is
Great.”
Hadith - “the best among you is the one with the best character.”
Sayyid Qutb - “It is Allah and not man who rules… Therefore, Allah’s laws should govern the society; not man’s.”
Edward Said - “every single empire in its official discourse has said that it is not at all like the others… it has a mission to enlighten, civilise, bring order and
democracy, and that it only uses force as a last resort.”
Ellen Willis - “the struggle of individual freedom against authoritarian patriarchal religion is going on all over the world - where dissidents are jailed, killed,
exiled or merely intimidated and silenced.”
, 3:A The extent to which sharia is an adequate guide for all aspects of a society
For Against
- Islam is a complete way of life regarding public and - Sharia is not compatible with a modern society, for
private matters. If Islam involves complete submission example cutting off hands for stealing. Instead it should
to Allah and His plan covers everything, then sharia be selectively followed.
should cover all aspects of society. - Sharia is said to be unequal towards women and so
- Many muslims today still follow the rules of sharia in there has been growing contention on the rules
everyday life, like avoiding pork and alcohol or choosing regarding marriage, divorce, inheritance etc.
what to wear. This means that there is a constant - When sharia law was established, most people believed
awareness from muslims in all aspects of life. in God, which simply isn’t the case in modern society.
- When sharia law was established, it became the only Secular societies deny religion as it causes divides
rule system which bled into all aspects of life. between people.
H.G.Wells - “the Islamic teachings have left great traditions for equitable and gentle dealings and behaviour, and inspire people with nobility
and tolerance.”
Tariq Ramadan - “the universality of Islam is shown by the way you can integrate into the local culture. Being british by culture and muslim
by religion is no contradiction.”
Akbar Ganji - “religious government is an absurd notion… if muslims form a government, it will be a secular, not a religious one.”
