What is the definition of Democracy in Islam? How does Islam practice Democracy?
There are two parts for democracy: (1) Elections; and (2) The length of time the president serves. Democracy in Islam is a controversial issue. Some Muslims don't believe in the Western Democratic System, and others do.
After the death of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, each one of the four Caliphs who ruled after him, differed from one another about the leadership. Let us briefly examine what they did:
1- Abu Baker was elected by the majority of the Muslims right after the death of Prophet Muhammad. He however, served until he died.
2- Omar was given the leadership by Abu Baker. Muslims were not given the opportunity to vote for Omar or for anyone else. Omar was imposed upon them.
3- Uthman became the leader in an awkward way. Omar had 6 elected representatives from the Muslims, and he purposely made their number even, to vote for the next Caliph or leader, because Omar was very sick and was about to die. Three of those representatives voted for Uthman and the other three voted for somebody else. Ironically, Omar brought his son, who had no political influence or power and didn't represent anyone what so ever, and he had him choose between Uthman and his competitor. Omar's son chose Uthman, and this is how Uthman became the leader.
4- Ali became the leader after revolutionists killed Uthman for causing so much corruption by bringing his family to power and gave them all kinds of wealth from the Muslims' State's Wealth. They simply voted for him and he became the leader. Hell broke loose after wards, because Muslims thought that Ali killed Uthman. The famous battle of Camel was declared and around 60,000 Muslim lives were lost in that terrible war.
So, who's foot steps should we follow? Clearly, all of them differed from one another, and there is no set standards that we could follow from the four Caliphs. Please visit Non of the four Caliphs was really perfect! My rebuttal to the Muslim Sunni and Shia sects.
Personally, I think that elections were practiced. Abu Baker and Ali were certainly elected by the majority of the voters. The question, however, remains: For how long should a leader rule?
Which is better, one leader for life, or several ones?
The unfortunate thing that all of the four Caliphs didn't differ about is that all of them ruled until their lives ended. This, however, is not carved in stone in the Noble Quran or in the Sayings of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. We don't really have to follow this rule just because the four Caliphs practiced it.
It is important to know that the Muslims had so many conflicts with each others after the death of our Prophet peace be upon him. The struggle to gain power and leadership was the bottom line for them. This is not Islamic, even though it happened by Muslim leaders.
Personally, I think that since Allah Almighty and Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him left the issue of leadership open, then it is up to the Muslims to decide that for themselves. And knowing the Western World today, I believe that they, by far, have the best democratic system.
The elected leader would rule for 4 or 5 years and then somebody else replaces him and so on. This allows for people and their leaders to learn from others' mistakes and to progress in creating better methods for leadership, because every leader would avoid the mistakes of the one before him.
Can the leader abuse his power in Islam? Does Islam have any limits to the leader?
Well, the leader has to always consult with his administration about everything. Allah Almighty Said:
"It is part of the Mercy of God that thou dost deal gently with them Wert thou severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about thee: so pass over (Their faults), and ask for (God's) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when thou hast Taken a decision put thy trust in God. For God loves those who put their trust (in Him). (The Noble Quran, 3:159)"
"Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual Consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance; (The Noble Quran, 42:38)"
So, the answer is no, Islam doesn't allow the leader to abuse his power, or to go beyond his limits as dictators do today.
Non of the four Caliphs was really perfect! My rebuttal to the Muslim Sunni and Shia sects.
Allah, Islam, Quran, Muhammad questions and answers.
Does Islam allow for individuals to make their own verdicts and fight the enemy, or should the government do that? What does Islam say about that?Prophet Muhammad predicted the coming of the "dictators" and bad leaders.
Back to Islam's laws on Wars (Jihad), Peace and Government.