Some Distinctive Features of Islam — Page 15
15 fairly, with sympathy; always fulfilling and upholding basic human rights. Thus, instead of emphasising the first segment of the commonly accepted definition of democracy, i. e. , government, by the people, Islam emphasises that, whatever the form of the government, it must in all events be for the people. So when democracy is mentioned among other forms of government the real stress is laid on its quality. It is emphasised that it should not be a hollow democracy, but that those electing their rulers should be competent people, motivated in all honesty to elect only those who are rea lly fit and equal to the task. This has been made a pr erequisite of any election to office by the Holy Quran: Verily, Allah commands you to gi ve over the trusts to those entitled to them, and that, wh en you judge between men, you judge with justice. . . . 17 And then, whatever government may as a result be established, it is obliged to govern with justice, without any discrimination of race, colour, or creed. Now I shall briefly summarise the rules that flow from the fundamentals given in the Ho ly Quran about any system of government: ! A government is duty-bound to protect the honour, life and property of its people. 18 ! A ruler must always act with justice, between individuals and between people. 19