Essay about Islam and Democracy - 2214 Words

Discuss the argument that characterise the debate about Islam and democracy Since the rise of the Islamic movements around the world especially in the Middle East and the current tension between Muslim and the Western countries in particular after 9/11, the different debates and arguments has been made by scholars, in particular Western intellectuals about the capability of the Islam to accept the principles of democracy. I will examine the relationship between Islam and politics, definition of Islam and democracy, the connection between Islamic teaching (Hadith and Quran) and Islamic movements and different perspectives of Islamists or Islamic countries. There are two different visions about the subject in which some argued that Islam†¦show more content†¦Islam means the submission to the will of only one God (Allah) and his command and to accept the God’s sovereignty, while you are free to choose or to refuse as the Quranic verses explained the freedom of religion, â€Å"there is to be no compulsion in religion. Surly the right direction has been made clear and distinct from error†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..† (Quran, II: 256) The term democracy originally is a Greek word which was created from demos â€Å"people† and kratos â€Å"rule†. Abraham Lincoln defined the term democracy as the â€Å"government of the people, by the people, and for the people†. However, in our contemporary modern era there are some different interpretations of democracy. Therefore, different kinds of democracy have been introduced such as Greek’s democracy that participation of only male allowed and excluded the slaves, women and foreigners. On the other hand, different forms of democracy have been presented by politicians as examples, liberal democracy, representative, parliamentary democracy and so on. Therefore, there is not a fixed and clear definition of democracy that accepted globally. There are various arguments about connection between Islam andShow MoreRelatedIslam and Democracy966 Words   |  4 Pagescentury and continuing into the twenty-first, a leading question arose regarding Islam and its traditions. This question asked whether Islam can be compatible with democracy. Seemed as a simple question, such an inquiry requires an in-depth look at the matter at hand. When one asks whether Islam is compatible with democracy, one needs to analyze the definition of democracy. According to Webster’s Dictionary, democracy is â€Å"a form of government in which supreme power is vested in the people and exercisedRead MoreIslam and Democracy: Can They Coincide?1954 Words   |  8 PagesCan Islam and a democracy coinside together? Democracy gives power to the people and in that power the people can elect and choose a politician to represent the people and not just Islam. Before one answers that question there are several factors into why it has been an uphill ba ttle for Muslim countries to build a successful democratic government. History shows Muslim countries have lived in non democratic states, so democracy is completely unfilmilrue and the people can’t relate to democracy likeRead MoreEssay on Islam and Democracy: Mutually Exclusive?3517 Words   |  15 Pagesin the Muslim world. Theories have been offered ranging from Islam and democracy being diametrically opposed, all the way to Islam considering democracy, or democratic principles, as essential. Lurking in the midst of these two extreme theories are the more moderate and demonstrable theories. Extreme viewpoints fail to accurately assess and address the true situation. A more accurate theory is that which perceives Islam and democracy as being neither innately hostile toward each other, nor inextricablyRead MoreCan Democracy And Islam Go Together?2560 Words   |  11 Pages Can Democracy and Islam Go Together? The implication that the principles of Islam clash with the principles of democracy is very apparent in the Western world, especially after the Jihadist terrorist attacks that took place on September 1st, 2001. Americans tend to view Islam as a violent, savage religion that cannot go along with democratic values. Because Islam is related to terrorism and much of the Arab world is non-democratic, it seems like Islam is the reason. Is this view of Islam accurateRead MoreWhy Is Islamic Democracy?913 Words   |  4 Pagesunderstand exactly what I mean when discussing Islamic democracy. Essentially, the only democracy that we in the west know is western democracy. This democracy is what the textbooks teach, and while it is perfectly functioning in our society, it may not be the same in nations which are not functioning in the same framework that we are so familiar with. That is to say, it cannot be expected for a Muslim nation to willingly and easily accept western democracy, and as is eloquently summed up in this statementRead MoreIs Islam a Religion of Peace?1879 Words   |  7 PagesIslam is often spoken of, especially in the backdrop of the current prevalent terrorism of today’s world, as the religion of peace. In saying so, it is implied that Islam, as a religion, is opposed to warfare, extremism and terrorist activities. On the contrary, in the realm of political science, democracy is the system of government that is set up on a high pedestal. Democracy is not only portrayed as inherently virtuous, but is also a system that ensures peace and harmony in any region. Both democracyRead MoreThe Internal Debates Between Muslim Scholars Essay1602 Words   |  7 Pagesscholars, both inside and outside the Islamic World, regarding Islam and its compatibility with democracy. Are Islam and democracy compatible? Support for democracy is just as frequent as resistance in these developing nations with both sides pitching adequate arguments but in all traditions there are intellectual and ideological resources that can provide justification for an absolute monarchy or for democracy. Many argue that Islam has all the ingredients of modern state and society and many MuslimRead MoreEssay Can Democracy Succeed in Islamic Countries?1111 Words   |  5 Pagessuccessful democracy in the Islamic world is still in question. This is due in part to the significant revolutions that have and are still taking place in many Muslim lead countries. These concerns stem from the possibility that a true democracy in Islamic lands may lead to Islamic democrats seeking reconciliation of human rights and civil liberties under strict Islamic ruling. Needless to say, an Islamic democracy is perceived as a threat; with good reason. Decades of anti-Islam aggravationRead MoreA Democracy Of The Middle East1304 Words   |  6 PagesVarious forms of democracy have been around since Ancient Greece and Rome. Over the years citizens have revolted against monarchies, dictatorships, and oligarchies in favor of democracies and republics. It is rare to come upon a country in which the citizens overthrew a democratic government in favor of anything else. This suggests that a democracy is the ideal form of government that citizens will continue to revolt until they reach. Francis Fukuyama agrees when he asserts that capitalist, liberalRead MoreReanalyze the Relationship of the West and Islamic Civilization Future1142 Words   |  5 PagesWest v. Islam conflict. Democracy System v. Islamic Laws Samuel P. Huntington stated that Muslims unable to accept democracy because of the nature of Islamic law and this situation potentially lead to the virulent clash between the West and Islamic countries. He argued that Islam is the exclusive religion which is not flexible to adopt another political idea. This situation is occurred due to Islam basic system which integrates religion principle to political system. For Muslims, Islam is not only