Islam and Democracy: Sociological analysis

By H. A. Yahya, Professor of Sociology

Opinions about Islam and democracy vary among Muslim thinkers and theologians. Those who are proponent of Islamic State or Islamic System tend to argue that Democracy is a concept imposed by the West. And that  democracy in this respect should not be applied particularly for Muslim community. Justifying their opinion, because they claim that democracy negates Islamic value, where Islam considers all people are equal regardless of color, or nationality, [but not of sex or gender, because man and woman are not equal in Islam for certain reasons debated widely between  believers in Islam- intellectuals and theocratic personnel].

Other groups, however, reject Democracy as exemplified, and should be resisted by Muslim communities, particularly represented by  fundamentalist, such view is obviously considered as a result of  Western colonization. For them, Democracy for both groups is the means to  split Islamic community (the Ummah) rather than unite Islamic community in  two ways by which the western colonialism intend to hamper Muslim community from unifying. 1) Muslim community is coerced to accept an understanding, belief, and parameter (Democracy) that is bequeathed by colonizers to be put into practice in Muslim countries even if it is clear not corresponding to Islamic belief. 2) The West synchronizes democracy with Islam so as to produce Muslim’s view that there is no such distinction between Islam and democracy. One of their strategies is to reject Democracy as exposed by the West .

In conjunction with the above arguments of fundamentalists, a group of intellectuals and Muslim thinkers (al_Azm, al-Nabulsi, and many others,  for example,] completely disagree with the compatibility of democracy and Islam. Such a view point is derived mainly from the western thought which splits the State from Religion. Which depends on logical reasoning and mostly derived from western scholars who strongly reject the argument that Islam and democracy is actually equal. Almost all foreign or Muslim intellectuals including Samuel Huntington, Martin Kramer and Francis Fukuyama who argue that Islam is not compatible with democracy. That’s why they claim that Islam as any other religion imposes  a threat for democracy and negates western democratic values such freedom and equality and justice since Islamic culture  rejecting any implementation of  democratic systems in the Islamic countries.

In conclusion, some Muslim groups reject the idea of democratization as a product of the West, and should be fought and rejected for that reason, it should not be accepted or implemented because  democracy is coined by infidels or comes from Western culture. Which I believe, such judgment, is based upon politics rather than theological thought. These groups can be described as prejudiced about the west and therefore, reject Western value of Democracy. Other Muslim groups argue that the one who has authority to command people is God alone can rule people or society not elected people in the case of Democracy. And for that reason they emphasize the nature of the principles of Islamic political theory which cannot give an authority over people to lead the other people.. By rejecting Democracy, they argue that God’s Law should rule every thing in earth. According to Abul Ala’ Maududi “no one should be allowed to pass orders or make commands in his own right and no one ought to accept the obligation to carry out such commands and obey such orders.” To support his opinion, he brought the Ayah which reads:

“The authority rests with none but Allah. He commands you not to surrender to any one save Him. This is the right way (of life). And “They ask: Have we also got some authority? Say: all authority belongs to God alone”. (Quran 3: 15)

The debate continues between the two opposing views toward democracy connection to Islam. Muslims, however were left to be ruled by what fundamentalists argue to encourage people to implement Shari’a as a fixed rule from God Himself described  in Qur’an as controlling both lives in the present and the Hereafter lives of humanity, rather than implementing Democracy as man made system deals with everyday reality.

Hasan Yahya is a columnist at wfol.tv, Malaysia, and TINA International News Agency,  Chicago,  USA

Related items

• Misconceptions About Women in Islam
• Why an Authoritarian Rule is Against Islam?
• The Pacifism of Islam
• Reasons & Steps to be taken for improving the life quality of Islamic women. Part 1
• How Did the Islam Born in Mecca Spread Across the World?

Visit our Website Home Page

Muslims generally do not take interest in social work as compared to other communities and as such the social problem in this community is much more than those of other communities. IIWA is an international Non-Profit organization, which is established with a view to fill this vacuum and brings the women together under one umbrella to serve the Ummah.  Since most of the sensitive issues in the society relate to women alone it is natural that her involvement and views on the subject is very necessary. Individually some women might be working for the good cause but their presence is never felt due to lack of communication and adequate publicity.

IIWA is a platform for woman to help those who are in need but also to raise their voices against injustice being meted out against women in the society. Though IIWA is an organization of Muslim women, it would also work for betterment and upliftment of women irrespective of their religion, caste or creed. By and large Muslim women are neither employed nor do any business and they have adequate time, which could be utilized, for social cause and make our society happy and healthy.

Visit our Website

The First Step

IIWA is the first Muslim women organization, which would have an international connection and presence and would try to solve all issues relating to women. They may include matrimonial issues, like selection of spouse, divorce, payment of Meher and maintenance, marriage of widow or discrimination in inheritance. It could be educational or even economic issues, which need to be addressed in any society.

The women involved in this organization have worked individually in any or all of the fields mentioned above. For example a model Nikahnama was drafter some 15 years ago and was discussed with Ulama and after due deliberations it was released by All India Muslim Personal law Board.

If we look at the history of Islam, we find that women are very much involved in social, economic and religious activities. They had a say in the matter and was respected for their views. However, subsequently under the influence of other non-Islamic societies, the presence of women diminished from our society which resulted into discriminations against Muslim women, never heard of before in Islamic society. In order to rectify this situation, it was necessary to form a Muslim women group which shall act as per the well defined laws as given in Qur’an, Hadith & Sunnah under the able guidance of our Ulama. It is sad that despite very clear understanding of the position of women in Islam, the Muslims generally adopted various customs and traditions regarding position and treatment of women, which were quite discriminatory in nature, which people followed religiously, so much so that some of these traditions were allowed to be continued by educated elite under the guise abundant precaution.

It is a matter of great pleasure that an international Muslim women’s organization IIWA is now established. To me, it was a dream comes true. During last two decades of my work in the field of education and social activities my meeting with a few ladies and study of a few books made me think of working with other concerned ladies in an organized way. Fortunately, the moment this idea was floated many women and young girls came forward offering their ideas, views and services for the noble cause.

When I look at the condition of women in the world both in Islamic and non Islamic country I find that the woman is oppressed either due to ignorance or deceit in the name of liberation. Whereas when we look at the history of Islam, we find women as part of the ummah, contributing in every field in the sphere of life. We find her in education, business, battlefields, politics, and literature. Muslim women made history by participating in social life as she was an important member of society. .

A Sense of Equality

Abdul Haleem Abu Shiqah, an Arabic scholar writes in his book (which is translated into Urdu as “Aurat Ahde Risalat mein”), that a woman is part of our society but we made her contribution nil and due to her illiteracy and ignorance she is not capable of bearing and upbringing of a generation which this ummah needs today. No wonder the ummah has become so voiceless and inactive in the present world. A woman has the same capabilities, thoughts, vision and sensibilities as men do. Unfortunately half of Muslim population has been made redundant for no valid reasons and with no logical explanations or sanction from Qur’an and Hadith.

Islam is a way of life for both men and women enjoining upon them to educate themselves. The responsibility of creating a healthy society lies with both men and women, in Islam, which is not possible with half the population remaining illiterate and ignorant. The reason is simple, the ummah followed traditions rather than Qur’an and Sunnah. The result was obvious. Majority of women remained illiterate under coercion in a male dominated society whereas those who defied had blindly followed the west and had become epitome of western culture.

While we thank Allah SWT that He made us a part of this Ummah that follows Islam, a balanced logical religion. The reason as to why can’t we be a part of feminist movements is simple. All such movements are anti Islam; moreover we don’t need to be their part for, we have a beautiful and most logical Shariah which gives equal rights to women and guides us to a well defined path of bliss in both the worlds. Islam takes care of a women whether she is a child, orphan, married, widow or divorcee.

Remember when Rasulullah (S) was given the prophet hood it was a woman Hazrat Khadija (R) who accepted him as  prophet first and said Ammanna wa Saddaqna. It was a woman (Hazrat Umme Ammara Ansari) who was praised by Rasulullah (S) as great warrior in the field of Ohud and he gave his shield to her as gift. You should know that it was a woman Hazrat Ayesha Siddiqa (R) who is considered the best of teachers of Ummah. It was a woman Hazrat Asma (R) who was made in charge of the markets by Hazrat Umer (R) due to her exceptional qualities and capabilities to do the job.

Attain Worldly Knowledge

The purpose of establishing IIWA is to help people look at the Muslim women from an angle that conforms Qur’an and Sunnah. It will help women to achieve her goals and objectives and perform her duties strictly within the framework of Shariah. While she learns Qur’an and Hadith she also has to obtain the worldly knowledge to give her child a better perspective and understanding. Today the problem of Muslim women is not those projected by media and leaders but the need to change her perspective and mind-set. Which has been corrupted due to centuries of un-Islamic coercion and fear.

As per a Hadith Rasulullah (S) said that in every generation some righteous people will be born who will rectify the views of those who transgress, exaggerate or foolishly misinterpret and deviate from the right path. He also said that at the turn of every century, Allah SWT will send people who would rejuvenate the “Deen”.

Visit our Website

Related items

• Reasons & Steps to be taken for improving the life quality of Islamic women. Part 1
• Reasons & Steps to be taken for improving the life quality of Islamic women. Part 1
• IVF Treatment according to Islamic Law In India -Affordable Cost
• Muslim Cultural Practices and Islamic Law!
• The Jihaz in Islamic marriages

Visit our Website Home Page

Muslims generally do not take interest in social work as compared to other communities and as such the social problem in this community is much more than those of other communities. IIWA is an international Non-Profit organization, which is established with a view to fill this vacuum and brings the women together under one umbrella to serve the Ummah.  Since most of the sensitive issues in the society relate to women alone it is natural that her involvement and views on the subject is very necessary. Individually some women might be working for the good cause but their presence is never felt due to lack of communication and adequate publicity.

IIWA is a platform for woman to help those who are in need but also to raise their voices against injustice being meted out against women in the society. Though IIWA is an organization of Muslim women, it would also work for betterment and upliftment of women irrespective of their religion, caste or creed. By and large Muslim women are neither employed nor do any business and they have adequate time, which could be utilized, for social cause and make our society happy and healthy.

Visit our Website

The First Step

IIWA is the first Muslim women organization, which would have an international connection and presence and would try to solve all issues relating to women. They may include matrimonial issues, like selection of spouse, divorce, payment of Meher and maintenance, marriage of widow or discrimination in inheritance. It could be educational or even economic issues, which need to be addressed in any society.

The women involved in this organization have worked individually in any or all of the fields mentioned above. For example a model Nikahnama was drafter some 15 years ago and was discussed with Ulama and after due deliberations it was released by All India Muslim Personal law Board.

If we look at the history of Islam, we find that women are very much involved in social, economic and religious activities. They had a say in the matter and was respected for their views. However, subsequently under the influence of other non-Islamic societies, the presence of women diminished from our society which resulted into discriminations against Muslim women, never heard of before in Islamic society. In order to rectify this situation, it was necessary to form a Muslim women group which shall act as per the well defined laws as given in Qur’an, Hadith & Sunnah under the able guidance of our Ulama. It is sad that despite very clear understanding of the position of women in Islam, the Muslims generally adopted various customs and traditions regarding position and treatment of women, which were quite discriminatory in nature, which people followed religiously, so much so that some of these traditions were allowed to be continued by educated elite under the guise abundant precaution.

It is a matter of great pleasure that an international Muslim women’s organization IIWA is now established. To me, it was a dream comes true. During last two decades of my work in the field of education and social activities my meeting with a few ladies and study of a few books made me think of working with other concerned ladies in an organized way. Fortunately, the moment this idea was floated many women and young girls came forward offering their ideas, views and services for the noble cause.

When I look at the condition of women in the world both in Islamic and non Islamic country I find that the woman is oppressed either due to ignorance or deceit in the name of liberation. Whereas when we look at the history of Islam, we find women as part of the ummah, contributing in every field in the sphere of life. We find her in education, business, battlefields, politics, and literature. Muslim women made history by participating in social life as she was an important member of society. .

A Sense of Equality

Abdul Haleem Abu Shiqah, an Arabic scholar writes in his book (which is translated into Urdu as “Aurat Ahde Risalat mein”), that a woman is part of our society but we made her contribution nil and due to her illiteracy and ignorance she is not capable of bearing and upbringing of a generation which this ummah needs today. No wonder the ummah has become so voiceless and inactive in the present world. A woman has the same capabilities, thoughts, vision and sensibilities as men do. Unfortunately half of Muslim population has been made redundant for no valid reasons and with no logical explanations or sanction from Qur’an and Hadith.

Islam is a way of life for both men and women enjoining upon them to educate themselves. The responsibility of creating a healthy society lies with both men and women, in Islam, which is not possible with half the population remaining illiterate and ignorant. The reason is simple, the ummah followed traditions rather than Qur’an and Sunnah. The result was obvious. Majority of women remained illiterate under coercion in a male dominated society whereas those who defied had blindly followed the west and had become epitome of western culture.

While we thank Allah SWT that He made us a part of this Ummah that follows Islam, a balanced logical religion. The reason as to why can’t we be a part of feminist movements is simple. All such movements are anti Islam; moreover we don’t need to be their part for, we have a beautiful and most logical Shariah which gives equal rights to women and guides us to a well defined path of bliss in both the worlds. Islam takes care of a women whether she is a child, orphan, married, widow or divorcee.

Remember when Rasulullah (S) was given the prophet hood it was a woman Hazrat Khadija (R) who accepted him as  prophet first and said Ammanna wa Saddaqna. It was a woman (Hazrat Umme Ammara Ansari) who was praised by Rasulullah (S) as great warrior in the field of Ohud and he gave his shield to her as gift. You should know that it was a woman Hazrat Ayesha Siddiqa (R) who is considered the best of teachers of Ummah. It was a woman Hazrat Asma (R) who was made in charge of the markets by Hazrat Umer (R) due to her exceptional qualities and capabilities to do the job.

Attain Worldly Knowledge

The purpose of establishing IIWA is to help people look at the Muslim women from an angle that conforms Qur’an and Sunnah. It will help women to achieve her goals and objectives and perform her duties strictly within the framework of Shariah. While she learns Qur’an and Hadith she also has to obtain the worldly knowledge to give her child a better perspective and understanding. Today the problem of Muslim women is not those projected by media and leaders but the need to change her perspective and mind-set. Which has been corrupted due to centuries of un-Islamic coercion and fear.

As per a Hadith Rasulullah (S) said that in every generation some righteous people will be born who will rectify the views of those who transgress, exaggerate or foolishly misinterpret and deviate from the right path. He also said that at the turn of every century, Allah SWT will send people who would rejuvenate the “Deen”.

Visit our Website

Related items

• Reasons & Steps to be taken for improving the life quality of Islamic women. Part 1
• Reasons & Steps to be taken for improving the life quality of Islamic women. Part 1
• IVF Treatment according to Islamic Law In India -Affordable Cost
• Muslim Cultural Practices and Islamic Law!
• The Jihaz in Islamic marriages

Muslims generally do not take interest in social work as compared to other communities and as such the social problem in this community is much more than those of other communities. IIWA is an international Non-Profit organization, which is established with a view to fill this vacuum and brings the women together under one umbrella to serve the Ummah.  Since most of the sensitive issues in the society relate to women alone it is natural that her involvement and views on the subject is very necessary. Individually some women might be working for the good cause but their presence is never felt due to lack of communication and adequate publicity.

IIWA is a platform for woman to help those who are in need but also to raise their voices against injustice being meted out against women in the society. Though IIWA is an organization of Muslim women, it would also work for betterment and upliftment of women irrespective of their religion, caste or creed. By and large Muslim women are neither employed nor do any business and they have adequate time, which could be utilized, for social cause and make our society happy and healthy.

Visit our Website

The First Step

IIWA is the first Muslim women organization, which would have an international connection and presence and would try to solve all issues relating to women. They may include matrimonial issues, like selection of spouse, divorce, payment of Meher and maintenance, marriage of widow or discrimination in inheritance. It could be educational or even economic issues, which need to be addressed in any society.

The women involved in this organization have worked individually in any or all of the fields mentioned above. For example a model Nikahnama was drafter some 15 years ago and was discussed with Ulama and after due deliberations it was released by All India Muslim Personal law Board.

If we look at the history of Islam, we find that women are very much involved in social, economic and religious activities. They had a say in the matter and was respected for their views. However, subsequently under the influence of other non-Islamic societies, the presence of women diminished from our society which resulted into discriminations against Muslim women, never heard of before in Islamic society. In order to rectify this situation, it was necessary to form a Muslim women group which shall act as per the well defined laws as given in Qur’an, Hadith & Sunnah under the able guidance of our Ulama. It is sad that despite very clear understanding of the position of women in Islam, the Muslims generally adopted various customs and traditions regarding position and treatment of women, which were quite discriminatory in nature, which people followed religiously, so much so that some of these traditions were allowed to be continued by educated elite under the guise abundant precaution.

It is a matter of great pleasure that an international Muslim women’s organization IIWA is now established. To me, it was a dream comes true. During last two decades of my work in the field of education and social activities my meeting with a few ladies and study of a few books made me think of working with other concerned ladies in an organized way. Fortunately, the moment this idea was floated many women and young girls came forward offering their ideas, views and services for the noble cause.

When I look at the condition of women in the world both in Islamic and non Islamic country I find that the woman is oppressed either due to ignorance or deceit in the name of liberation. Whereas when we look at the history of Islam, we find women as part of the ummah, contributing in every field in the sphere of life. We find her in education, business, battlefields, politics, and literature. Muslim women made history by participating in social life as she was an important member of society. .

A Sense of Equality

Abdul Haleem Abu Shiqah, an Arabic scholar writes in his book (which is translated into Urdu as “Aurat Ahde Risalat mein”), that a woman is part of our society but we made her contribution nil and due to her illiteracy and ignorance she is not capable of bearing and upbringing of a generation which this ummah needs today. No wonder the ummah has become so voiceless and inactive in the present world. A woman has the same capabilities, thoughts, vision and sensibilities as men do. Unfortunately half of Muslim population has been made redundant for no valid reasons and with no logical explanations or sanction from Qur’an and Hadith.

Islam is a way of life for both men and women enjoining upon them to educate themselves. The responsibility of creating a healthy society lies with both men and women, in Islam, which is not possible with half the population remaining illiterate and ignorant. The reason is simple, the ummah followed traditions rather than Qur’an and Sunnah. The result was obvious. Majority of women remained illiterate under coercion in a male dominated society whereas those who defied had blindly followed the west and had become epitome of western culture.

While we thank Allah SWT that He made us a part of this Ummah that follows Islam, a balanced logical religion. The reason as to why can’t we be a part of feminist movements is simple. All such movements are anti Islam; moreover we don’t need to be their part for, we have a beautiful and most logical Shariah which gives equal rights to women and guides us to a well defined path of bliss in both the worlds. Islam takes care of a women whether she is a child, orphan, married, widow or divorcee.

Remember when Rasulullah (S) was given the prophet hood it was a woman Hazrat Khadija (R) who accepted him as  prophet first and said Ammanna wa Saddaqna. It was a woman (Hazrat Umme Ammara Ansari) who was praised by Rasulullah (S) as great warrior in the field of Ohud and he gave his shield to her as gift. You should know that it was a woman Hazrat Ayesha Siddiqa (R) who is considered the best of teachers of Ummah. It was a woman Hazrat Asma (R) who was made in charge of the markets by Hazrat Umer (R) due to her exceptional qualities and capabilities to do the job.

Attain Worldly Knowledge

The purpose of establishing IIWA is to help people look at the Muslim women from an angle that conforms Qur’an and Sunnah. It will help women to achieve her goals and objectives and perform her duties strictly within the framework of Shariah. While she learns Qur’an and Hadith she also has to obtain the worldly knowledge to give her child a better perspective and understanding. Today the problem of Muslim women is not those projected by media and leaders but the need to change her perspective and mind-set. Which has been corrupted due to centuries of un-Islamic coercion and fear.

As per a Hadith Rasulullah (S) said that in every generation some righteous people will be born who will rectify the views of those who transgress, exaggerate or foolishly misinterpret and deviate from the right path. He also said that at the turn of every century, Allah SWT will send people who would rejuvenate the “Deen”.

Related items

• Reasons & Steps to be taken for improving the life quality of Islamic women. Part 1
• Reasons & Steps to be taken for improving the life quality of Islamic women. Part 1
• IVF Treatment according to Islamic Law In India -Affordable Cost
• Muslim Cultural Practices and Islamic Law!
• The Jihaz in Islamic marriages