Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues — Page 226
226 islam’s response to contemporary issues horse trading, rule of fear through police tactics and other similar corrupt measures, the spirit and substance of democracy in the world are attenuated with adulteration so that there is little of democracy left in the end. Islamic Definition of Democracy According to the Holy Quran, people have a free choice to adopt any system of rule which suits them. Democracy, sovereignty, tribal or feudal systems are valid provided they are accepted by the people as the traditional heritage of their society. However, it seems that democracy is preferred and highly commended in the Holy Quran. The Muslims are advised to have a democratic system though not exactly on the pattern of Western style democracy. Islam does not present a hollow definition of democracy anywhere in the Holy Quran. It only deals with principles of vital significance and leaves the rest to the people. Follow and benefit, or stray and be destroyed. Two Pillars of Islamic Concept of Democracy There are only two pillars to the Islamic concept of democracy. These are: 1) Democratic process of elections must be based on trust and integrity. Islam teaches that whenever you exercise your vote, do it with the consciousness that God is watching over you and will hold