Islam and Democracy: A Philosophical Debate

Abstract

This chapter outlines the relationship between Islam and democracy from normative and philosophical viewpoints. Islam is a faith whereas democracy is a political system. The philosophy of Islam based on divine origin often contradicts with Western democratic discourse based on secular doctrinal philosophy. However, a number of Islamic philosophers argue that Islamic political philosophy is not necessarily in conflict with Western democracy. The basic elements of Islamic governance such as bay'a (obligation of public allegiance), adl (the principle of equality and justice), shura (consultative rule), and ijma (consensus) are congruent with Western democratic discourse. However, it does not mean that these two philosophical doctrines do not have differences and tensions. With their differences, they are compatible with each other. The Islamic vision of democracy has been conceptualized by scholars in varied terms: ``theo-democracy,'' ``Islamic democracy,'' or ``spiritual democracy.'' We have argued that democracy rather than authoritarianism is intrinsic in Islamic polity, and the establishment of democracy, of course without costing the fundamentals of Islam, can bring about peace, progress, and stability in Muslim societies around the world.