Since the final decades of 20 century CE and especially in post 9/11 world, the question of th compatibility between Islam and democracy-a hotly debated and discussed issue-has gained an impetus and has highly intensified. There are (mainly) two visions on this theme: (i) those who deny any connection between Islam and democracy; and (ii) those who argue that Islamic tradition contains a number of concepts, ideals, institutions and values which are essentially democratic (in nature). In this direction, this paper exposes and elucidates how some scholars have employed certain concepts from the Islamic tradition like Shura, Ijtihad, Bay‘ah, Khilafah, Ijma, Maslaha and Ahl al-hall wa al-‘aqd-especially the first three-for conceptualizing a conceivable and feasible, possible and practicable foundation of democracy in Islam. In the final analysis, it is noted that throughout the Muslim world, majority of scholars accept the term ‘democracy’ and insist on consistency and compatibility between Islam and democracy albeit democracy here is conceived with certain qualifications and limits prescribed by Shari‘ah. It argues, by way of conclusion, that although “Islamic democracy” has been discussed very much (in theory), a “practical” Islamic democratic model has yet to emerge. This is still a challenge for Muslim political theorists (particularly) in the 21 century.
Source: World Journal of Islamic History and Civilization
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