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Background: It is commonly thought, even amongst Muslims, that the system of democracy or democratic principles are not compatible with The Quran or islam.
Those who listen to
what is said, then follow the best of it; those are the ones God has
guided, and are the men of understanding. [39:18] ...and consult
with them upon the conduct of affairs... [3:159] O you who
believe! when it is said to you, Make room in (your) assemblies, then
make ample room, God will give you ample, and when it is said: Rise up,
then rise up. God will exalt those of you who believe, and those who
are given knowledge, in high degrees; and God is Aware of what you do. [58:11] And those who have responded to their
Lord, and they establish the bond, and their affairs are conducted by
mutual consultation among themselves, and from Our provisions to them
they give. [42:38] God
has taken the covenant of the Children of Israel and raised from them
twelve representatives, and God said: "I am with you if you uphold the
bond and contribute towards betterment... [5:12]
The Quran has examples of leaders with authority (e.g. Solomon,
Joseph), however this would be conducted by group consultation and
representation:
Elected leaders would have to lead by example:
Do you order the people to do goodness,
but forget yourselves, while you are reciting the book? Do you not
reason? [2:44]
O you who believe, why do you say what
you do not do? [61:2]
O
mankind, We created you from a male and female, and We made you into
nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Surely, the most
honorable among you in the sight of God is the most righteous. God is
Knowledgeable, Expert. [49:13]
Corruption prohibited:
Do not devour the wealth and property of one another in a wrongful manner, nor bribe the officials/judges so that you may consume a part of the other people's belongings sinfully while you know! [2:188]
...you
are the best suited community that has been raised up for the good of
mankind. You shall enjoin the Right and discourage the Wrong... [3:110] ...help
one another in furthering virtue and God-consciousness, and do not help
one another in furthering evil and enmity; and remain conscious of God:
for, behold, God's punishment is severe. [5:2] O
believers! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses for the sake of
God, even (if this may go) against yourselves, or your parents, or your
kin... [4:135] O
believers! Stand out firmly for God, as witnesses for the sake of
justice, and let not the enmity of a people cause you to turn away from
justice. Do justice, for that is akin to piety...[5:8] Invite to the
way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them
in a way that is best.” [16:125] Not
equal are the good and the bad response. You shall resort to the one
which is better. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy may become
your best friend. [41:34]
To each is a direction that he will take, so you shall
race towards good deeds. Wherever you may be, God will bring you all
together. God is capable of all things. [2:148] Take to pardoning, and order with what is good, and
leave alone the ignorant ones. [7:199] Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth
stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in God
has grasped the most sure hand-hold, that never breaks. And God is
Hearing, Knowing. [2:256] ...God is not to change the condition of a
people until they change what is within themselves... [13:11]
Such a system would have to promote the following social order for the
benefit of everyone:
And lastly, people in a community are reminded that they should 'be the
change they wish to see in the world':
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