Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues — Page 228
228 islam’s response to contemporary issues Whatever you have been given is only a temporary provision of this life, but that which is with Allah is better and more lasting for those who believe and put their trust in their Lord; and those who eschew the graver sin and indecencies, and when they are wroth they forgive; and those who hearken to their Lord, and observe Prayer and whose affairs are administered by mutual consultation, and who spend out of whatever We have provided for them; and those who, when a wrong is done them, defend themselves. 6 The Arabic words amruhum sh u r a bainahum (whose affairs are administered by mutual consultation) relate to the political life of the Muslim society, clearly indicating that in matters of government, its decisions are made through mutual consultation, which, of course, reminds one of the first part of the definition of democracy i. e. government of the people. The common will of the people becomes the ruling will of the people through mutual consultation. The second part of the definition of democracy relates to by the people. This is clearly referred to in the following part of the verse: Allah commands you to make over the trusts to those best fitted to discharge them. 7