The Term Democracy Throughout The Islamic History

Democracy, a term often linked with the Western world, has a rich history within the Islamic civilization. While the concept may differ from its Western counterpart, it is essential to explore the roots and interpretations of democracy within the Islamic framework. This article delves into the historical background and examines the concept of democracy in Islamic history, shedding light on its manifestations throughout the ages.

The Early Islamic State

During the time of the Prophet Muhammad, the early Islamic state was characterized by a system of consultation between the Prophet and his companions. This system, known as "Shura," laid the foundation for the democratic principles observed later in Islamic history. Shura represented a consultative process where decisions were made collectively, taking into account the opinions and advice of various individuals.

Although Shura did not directly resemble the modern form of democracy, it showcased the early recognition of the importance of collective decision-making and participation of the community in governance. It emphasized the need for consultation and consensus-building, leading to a sense of inclusivity within the society.

The Term Democracy throughout the Islamic History

by Michael Doran(Kindle Edition)

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The Golden Age of Islamic Civilization

The Islamic Golden Age, spanning from the 8th to the 14th century, witnessed remarkable advancements in various fields such as science, philosophy, art, and governance. This era exemplifies the compatibility of Islam with intellectual pursuits, including democratic ideals.

One of the renowned examples from this period is the Bayt al-Hikmah, or House of Wisdom, in Baghdad. This scholarly institution served as a hub for scholars from diverse backgrounds, fostering intellectual debates and promoting knowledge-sharing. The House of Wisdom embraced an environment that encouraged free expression of ideas and welcomed various perspectives, characteristics reminiscent of democratic principles.

In addition to institutions like the House of Wisdom, the Islamic civilization was marked by a flourishing trade network that allowed cultural diversity to thrive. This exchange of ideas and values contributed to the development of a pluralistic society, where different voices were heard and respected.

Democratic Influences in Islamic Empires

Throughout history, various Islamic empires emerged, each leaving a distinct mark on the development of democratic ideals within the Islamic world. Notably, the Ottoman Empire, one of the longest-lasting Islamic empires, integrated democratic practices into its governance.

The Ottoman Empire introduced a system called the "millet," which granted non-Muslim communities autonomy in religious and legal matters. This policy acknowledged the diverse nature of the empire and advocated for inclusivity and representation of different communities. The millet system allowed different religious and ethnic groups to have their own leaders, customs, and laws, demonstrating a democratic approach to governance.

Modern Interpretations of Democracy in Islamic Societies

In contemporary times, the concept of democracy within Islamic societies is often a subject of debate and interpretation. While some argue that certain Islamic principles are inherently democratic, others emphasize the need to adapt democratic values to suit the specific cultural and religious context.

One approach to reconciling democracy with Islamic principles is the concept of "Shura-based democracy." This interpretation suggests that democratically elected governments can govern within the boundaries of Islamic law, with consultation (Shura) at its core. Shura-based democracy aims to incorporate Islamic values and norms, such as justice and egalitarianism, into the democratic framework.

It is important to note that different Islamic societies may interpret and implement democratic principles differently. The level of democratization within each society depends on a myriad of factors, including political and cultural dynamics, historical legacies, and societal aspirations.

The term democracy has found its place throughout the Islamic history, manifesting in various forms and interpretations. From the early Islamic state's consultative process to the flourishing of intellectual debates during the Islamic Golden Age, democratic ideals have been present within the Islamic world.

The compatibility of Islamic principles and democratic values continues to be a topic of exploration and dialogue in modern times. Understanding the historical context and various interpretations allows us to appreciate the pluralistic nature of Islamic societies and the ongoing development of democratic ideals within them.

The Term Democracy throughout the Islamic History

by Michael Doran(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3470 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	178 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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After the revolutions of the „Arab Spring“, the once victims of socio-economic autocracies became victims of an extremist version of the Caliphate in the 21st Century, led by a Takfiri-Jihadi named Abū Bakr al-Baghdādī. The self-proclaimed „Gods Successor on Earth“ [arab. Khalīfat – ul -lāh ʻalā -l-Arḍ], declared in al-Raqqa, a city in north-eastern Syria, the city was announced as the official capital of his terrorist leadership. The swift development of this very Organisation which aimed at the establishment of statehood based on fundamentalism, where its people and their actions must be assimilated with the early Islamic Laws and Orders [arab. al-Qawānīn al-Sharʻiya], making the heart of the Leventine be a „Great State“ of backwardness [arab. al-Rağʻiya]. Or as I must summerise the Caliphates Salafi-Jihadi ideology as a Leadership of make the Muslim Community [arab. al-ʼUmma -l- Islāmiya] first and the rest of the Globe after, follow them back to the ancient Islamic Roots, even if it means by force and bloodshed, but with the toolbox of Modern Cyber Platforms. This research will dispute over several important Topics that shall be analyzed on the base of scientific references of the Islamic History, Law, Culture and by the Example of several flourihing Eras of the Muslim World, wher the Modern Time of political and cultural development shall be the Winner. But at the beginning the Book will share a glimps into the early History of the Arabic Muslim World , starting from the early establishment of the ancient Caliphate and ending with the most recent socio-political developments of the Muslim regions of North Africa and the Middle East. And since the Islamic Republik of Iran, neither a geological part of the Middle East nor North Africa, does also have its influence in the ancient and modern History of the two mentioned regions, the history and its recent developments will be an equal part of this research. The ground cause of contributing to this empirical research is the recent challenge the world is facing after the emergence of the so-called „Islamic State“ in June 2014, and its claimed military elimination in March 2019. Disabling and dismantling the core and cure of traditional international conflict solving through multilateral diplomatic involvements and the implication of the region`s experts will also be a minor part of the research. For as the World has recently witnessed instead of implementing the traditional tools of conflict solving, a constant path of aggressive political sanctions and provocations was aiming as misfotunate as it is, particularly those States that were not only suffering from the damages of the long Wars against ISIS, but were the main Coalition Force against the infamous common enemy. Since March 2019, the political strategy of foreign affairs, once a tool of conflict solving, ended up being a platform of accusations and aggressive threats, making the dismantlement of the most fruitful international agreements turn into portending nucleus blowbacks. And before starting with the first Chapter by reviving the written Islamic History, and comparing it with the opinions of Muslim Religious Scholars and Theologians of our Modern Time, the reader will hopefully realize the following fact: that an intermarriage of the western blue-print of Democracy with the Islamic form of Leadership, namely the principles of al-Shūrā [arab. Debate] has been and will probably maintain to be the Islamic Clash of the Century.