A similar debate persists about whether Islam is compatible with democracy…. What do you think about either side of the debate — what is, presently, the relationship between Islam and democracy?
Tessler’s research reveals many Islamic nations may be more receptive to the notion of democracy than previously credited by the West. Currently, the relationship between Islam and democracy can be described as, at best, strained. Democracy requires the populace to vote according to their desires. This notion, in a way, is narcissistic and can be seen as anathema to Islam as it puts self before Allah.
I do believe democracy and Islam can coexist, but not under the current twisted version of Islam that is being preached. Islam is currently viewed as a “complete package”, with the clerics able to advise the populace on the way they are supposed to live as well as advise the politicians on the way they should run the country. Theoretically, you don’t need popular votes because Islam will guide the way. We have learned the Qur’an is open to many interpretations, which are subject to prevailing attitudes at the time. Misinterpretations conveniently allow for authoritarian rule, something to which Islam has had a tendency to gravitate toward over the centuries. This is unfortunate.
Islam used to be, and arguably was intended to be, egalitarian, protective of the weak, and promoting of education and advances in science and thought. Can the Muslims of today overcome their distrust of those not following their specific religious practices and engage in constructive discourse about economics, infrastructure and education (all critical components of government)?
Per the Tessler reading, the West usually associates democracy with “openness” and “tolerance of diversity”; not normally values associated with Islam. Further, democracy does work best with a tolerance for majority rule. If a Muslim nation has a diverse population of Shi’a and Sunni (i.e. Iraq), it may be impossible to practice peaceful democracy because, in this case, the Shi’a faction will always win and rule the Sunni minority.
Democracy also works best with an educated, informed, and engaged populace. I am not sure many Muslim nations are there yet, but could be in the foreseeable future. Concerning women voters, democracy existed in the West for a very long time before women were allowed to vote. Certainly not ideal (and not something I endorse), but it shows that democracy might become a reality in countries where women’s rights are lacking as it is historically a fluid process, open to continual changes and adaptations that come with changing times. Can Muslim’s achieve that? I hope so. Discuss this Topic on a 5pg paper in APA format.
