Author: Muhammad Dawood Yusufi Eshaqzahi
Islam and Democracy (Part 15)
A Comparison Between the Islamic System and Republicanism
From the discussions above, it has been established that the nature and objectives of the Islamic system and Western republicanism are completely different from one another. Therefore, it is appropriate here to present a brief comparative summary of the two systems:
1. In the Islamic system, sovereignty and dominion belong to Allah Almighty, and all decisions are made in accordance with the Holy Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the principles established by Islamic Shariah. In contrast, under a republican system, sovereignty belongs to the people, and decisions are made according to the votes of the majority.
2. In Islam, the Holy Qur’an and the prophetic traditions are regarded as the sources of authority, and their teachings provide the basis for decision-making. In contrast, in a republican system, the people are regarded as the source of authority, while parliament plays the role of decision-maker.
3. The principles and laws of Islam are definitive, immutable, and not subject to abrogation. In contrast, under a republican system, parliament can change or repeal various laws and principles.
4. In the Islamic system, decisions are made according to the principles of truth and justice. In contrast, under republicanism, decisions are based on majority votes and the wishes of the people.
5. In the Islamic system, the affairs of government are conducted through consultation with people of authority, elders, and scholars, taking evidence, reason, conduct, and character into consideration. In contrast, in a republican system, the primary criterion for approving individuals or matters is the number of votes they receive.
6. In a republican system, efforts are made to obtain more votes by attracting the general public to an individual or political party. For this purpose, it may become necessary not to present the truth openly, but rather to portray oneself in a way that appeals to different groups and ideologies in order to obtain votes from all segments of society. The result, according to the author, is that the distinction between truth and falsehood becomes blurred, while lying, propaganda, flattery, and dishonesty grow within political parties.
In contrast, Islam calls exclusively toward truth and requires all those entrusted with responsibility to be truthful, trustworthy, and accepting of the truth. It presents pure truth, unmixed with falsehood.
7. Islam seeks to reform everything from the individual to society, from belief and worship to transactions, social life, economics, and politics. It evaluates all these matters according to the standards of faith and morality.
In contrast, the republican system focuses primarily on the structure of government and does not concern itself with reforming society, human morality, or moral values.
8. In the Islamic system, members of the consultative body, after examination and consultation, appoint the king, amir, or prime minister. In contrast, under a republican system, individuals put themselves forward and promote their own achievements and services.
9. In the Islamic system, the selection of an amir, king, leader, or prime minister is based on faith, piety, and competence. In contrast, in a republican system, individuals attain power through posters, flags, requests for votes, enormous expenditures, and misleading or false propaganda.
10. In Western democracy, political parties play an important role, and democracy is considered unable to function without a governing party and opposition parties.
In contrast, the Islamic system does not have political parties in the Western sense. Muslims are one united ummah, and the objective of all is to raise the word of Allah. Opposed to this is the “Party of Satan.” Creating division and engaging in partisan conflict among Muslims is impermissible, as Allah Almighty says: وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا [Aal ‘Imran: 103] Translation: “And hold firmly, all together, to the rope of Allah and do not become divided.”
Allah Almighty also says: وَلَا تَنَازَعُوا فَتَفْشَلُوا وَتَذْهَبَ رِيحُكُمْ [Al-Anfal: 46] Translation: “And do not dispute with one another, lest you lose courage and your strength depart.”
11. There is always a conflict between the ruling party and opposition parties. Each party conducts negative campaigns against its opponents in order to undermine their popularity.
Under such a system, the support of a law or an individual is not necessarily based on sincerity or truthfulness, but rather on party affiliation. Cooperation between political parties in matters of goodness consequently becomes difficult. According to the author, this situation is completely contrary to Islam.
12. Since the republican system is based on political parties, whenever a party comes to power, it places its own people in positions of authority and uses the state budget for the benefit of members of its own party, sometimes even taking pride in doing so.
According to the author, such a system has no compatibility whatsoever with Islam.
13. According to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Prophetic traditions, mutual respect and preservation of one another’s dignity and honor are essential. Every Muslim should cooperate with others in righteousness and piety and, in adhering to truth and honesty, should set aside even considerations involving close relatives and personal interests, standing with the truth under all circumstances. [1]
In contrast, the author argues that during election campaigns under a republican system, insulting and humiliating one another, mocking, making sarcastic remarks and reproaches, backbiting, slander, and attributing accusations to opponents become common practices. The author further claims that without such behavior, an election campaign may not be considered successful. [2]
Conclusion
The logical conclusion of this comparison, according to the author, is that wherever a republican system is in power, the complete implementation of the Islamic system in its true sense is not possible.
In such circumstances, Muslims may perform prayer, fasting, and other acts of worship, but the government itself remains within the framework of republicanism, and Muslims remain divided among different countries.
However, if the Islamic system were implemented in its true sense, the system of Khilafah would unite all Muslims under a single unity, while even non-Muslims would live under its security and justice. [3]
Such a system would liberate human beings from the bondage of their own desires and from servitude to other human beings and guide them toward servitude to Allah Almighty.
The truth is that genuine freedom and true progress lie only in complete servitude to Allah Almighty and in Islam.
May Allah Almighty include us among His true servants.
Reminder
After presenting the above comparison, the author draws the following conclusion:
Based on what has been stated, if Western republicanism and democracy are not to be called “the Dajjal,” then what should they be called?
According to the author, republicanism is undoubtedly a powerful conspiracy against Islam and the true religion. Muslims are therefore required to distance themselves from this “Dajjal-like” system and organize all aspects of their lives according to pure Islamic principles.
The author argues that the objective of this alleged satanic system is to distance people from religion, particularly Islam, and to turn them into servants of wealth and their own desires.
According to the author, behind this system are enormous financial powers and institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and other international organizations, which, in the author’s view, secure their interests through this system.
The author further maintains that this system makes people so attached to wealth, position, and social status that those who work within this structure gradually come to regard republican law as though it were a divine scripture.
Consequently, according to the author, any statement that contradicts the laws and constitution of the republic is considered unacceptable to them, even if it is true. Conversely, any statement that conforms to republican law is regarded as true in their eyes, even if it is far removed from the truth.
The author attributes this situation to the forces that, in his view, stand behind and control this system and have given republican law a status comparable to that of the Holy Qur’an.
Therefore, according to the author, whoever sincerely accepts this system will inevitably be affected by its influence. [4]
To be continued…
References:
[1] Surah al-Ma’idah: 2; Surah al-Nisa’: 135.
[2] Asrar al-‘Uruj: 31–32 (Dar al-Iman, Karbugha).
[3] Asrar al-‘Uruj: 34 (Dar al-Iman, Karbugha).
[4] Asrar al-‘Uruj: 34–35 (Dar al-Iman, Karbugha).
