Democracy

Definition of Democracy

“Type of government in which, the representatives for the government are selected by the votes of common people and all the members of the state take part directly or indirectly in the formation of the government is called Democracy.”
Principles of Democracy in Islam

Islam has a different concept of Democracy from the rest of the world. Under Islamic democracy, the states of affairs are run according to the teachings of the Holy Quran and Sunnah. The foundation of democracy in Islam has been established on the basis of following principles:

1. Sovereignty

Under Islamic democracy, the sovereignty belongs ot Almighty Allah. God fearing persons to run the affairs of the state are desirable to elect as the premiers of the state. The government as well as the legislative assemblies does not enjoy the unlimited powers. However the people are at liberty to elect.

2. Justice

The literal meaning of justice is to keep the rights things at their right places. It is the foundation of divine law. No aspect of life can be complete without justice. It is the justice which makes any society peaceful and prosperous. The individual and collective lives are made effective due to the establishment of justice.

3. Equality

Equality means all the persons are treated under the same principles of the state. Islam rejects all kinds of discrimination on the basis of languages, caste, colour, culture, wealth or poverty. The Holy prophet (P.B.U.H) in his last pilgrimage declared that all human beings are the off-springs of Hazrat Adam. No Arab has any precedence over a Non-Arab and vice versa.

4. Fraternity

Fraternity means brotherhood. Allah has told in the Holy Quran that all the believers are brothers to each other. The principles of fraternity are an important aspect of Islamic society. As brothers all the Muslims share the problems of each other and their happiness also. Our holy prophet (P.B.U.H) said that a Muslim is a brother to another. Mutual co-operation is developed due to the establishment of fraternity in the society.

5. Tolerance

Tolerance means is the power of endurance and to accept the criticism of the others merrily. Tolerance makes the mutual relations of human beings strong. The holy prophet (P.B.U.H) preached tolerance through his words and deeds. Tolerance gives an ability to every person to neglect the mistakes of the others thus the possibilities of quarreling with each other are discriminated and a state of peace is developed in the society.