The Difference Between the Islamic System and Theocracy
There are differing views regarding which category of political systems in the world the Islamic system belongs to. Some consider it a form of theocracy, or divine and religious government, because, from the Islamic perspective, the only one worthy of sovereignty is the Creator and Originator of the universe and all existence, and that is none other than Allah Almighty. For this reason, the foundation of the Islamic political system rests upon the sovereignty of Allah Almighty, and in this respect, it bears some resemblance to theocracy.
Nevertheless, the Islamic system differs in many significant ways from the form of theocracy historically experienced in the West. In Christianity, there was no clearly defined political or governmental system. Consequently, kings and religious leaders formulated laws and decrees according to their own ideas and presented them as divine commandments. They regarded themselves as infallible and were unwilling to accept criticism or advice. Criticizing them was regarded as criticizing Allah Almighty.
This religious monopoly and authoritarianism gradually created the conditions for despotism and dictatorship. The result was the establishment of inquisitorial courts, which paved the way for countless acts of oppression and atrocities. Ultimately, such governments discredited theocracy and left in the minds of the people an image of despotism, oppression, and terror.
This experience contributed to the emergence of democracy based on secularism. Secularism separated religion from politics, removed morality and religion from social life, and confined religion primarily to the hearts of religious individuals.
Definition of Theocracy
Theocracy is a Greek term composed of two words: “theo,” meaning “god,” and “-cracy,” meaning “government” or “rule.” The term therefore means “the rule of Allah,” in which certain individuals govern as representatives of Allah (SWT).
In societies governed by theocracy, rulers are regarded as representatives of Allah (SWT) among the people. Theocracy generally refers to a form of religious government in which rulers derive their legitimacy from Allah (SWT) and present themselves as His representatives.
Such rulers permit themselves to legislate on behalf of Allah and compel the people to accept and implement those laws. In such a system, anything may be declared lawful or unlawful according to the ruler’s wishes and preferences, and this is then presented as divine law.
The Term “Theocracy” and Its Development
The term “theocracy” was used particularly in relation to church government and religious authority during the Middle Ages. During that period, Christian popes, who claimed to represent Allah (SWT), exercised authority over the people and formulated and enforced laws according to their own interests. This oppressive form of government, carried out in the name of religion, deprived people of many of their freedoms and rights. For this reason, church rule during the Middle Ages was also known as the “rule of the popes.”
Developments and Forms of Theocracy
Over time, theocracy underwent various formal changes and developments, which may be described as follows:
Divine Rulers
In this form, the rulers themselves are regarded as gods and are believed to possess a divine nature, as in the case of the Pharaohs of Egypt and the emperors of ancient Rome.
Government Based on Divine Selection
After the emergence of Christianity, the theory of theocracy underwent significant changes. The rulers were no longer considered divine in nature. Rather, they were regarded as human beings like everyone else, but as individuals chosen by Allah (SWT). According to this view, rulers were accountable only to Allah (SWT) and not to the people.
Government According to the Will and Decree of Allah (SWT)
In later centuries, the theory of theocracy underwent further development. At this stage, neither the divine nature of rulers nor their direct selection by Allah (SWT) was emphasized. Rather, it was held that the selection of rulers was a human matter, but that such selection took place according to the decree and will of Allah (SWT).
According to this view, although rulers possessed extensive powers, this did not necessarily mean that they were oppressive because they were regarded as being chosen by Allah (SWT), and Allah (SWT) is inherently just. Therefore, rulers were required to remain within the bounds of justice and act according to divine commands.
Forms of Theocracy and Their Relationship to Democracy
In the first two forms of theocracy, the role of the people in selecting rulers is rejected, and in practice this leads to individual and authoritarian rule. In the third form, however, theocracy comes closer to democracy because democracy also accepts the idea that the people’s choice takes place in accordance with the will of Allah (SWT) and that the people select someone to represent them.
Today, this way of thinking has influenced certain political parties in Europe, particularly Christian Democratic parties.
Islam and Theocracy
This raises the question: Is the concept of divine sovereignty in Islam the same as the theocracy of the Middle Ages? Just as, under theocracy, Allah (SWT) is believed to have granted absolute authority to the ruler, allowing him to govern the people in whatever manner he wishes, is the same true in Islam?
Some claim that divine sovereignty in Islam is the same as the theocracy of the Middle Ages and that the way to escape from it is through fundamental reform.
In response to this claim, it is necessary to explain the distinction between “medieval Christian theocracy” and the “true divine sovereignty of Islam.”
The Historical Dimension of Divine Sovereignty
This understanding of divine sovereignty is not limited merely to heavenly teachings; rather, it has its roots in the historical development of attributing political authority to Allah. When Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, the Church acquired unprecedented power, and the relationship between religious and political authority became central to political thought.
The Claim of Divine Representation
In the history of Christianity, rulers derived legitimacy not only from the biblical text, but additional claims also emerged that were human constructions. After the Roman emperor accepted Christianity, the Church gained political power and attempted to attribute this authority to the Gospel, whereas these interpretations were, in reality, products of human formulation.
The Quran, however, is the final revealed Book of guidance and, according to definitive evidence, has been preserved from alteration. The Quran strongly rejects the notion of people presenting themselves as intermediaries between Allah and humanity.
In several verses, the Quran calls upon the People of the Book to abandon polytheism and worship Allah alone: (قُلْ يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ تَعَالَوْا إِلَى كَلِمَةٍ سَوَاءٍ) [Al Imran: 64] Translation: “Say, ‘O People of the Book! Come to a word that is common between us and you: that we worship none but Allah and associate nothing with Him…’”
In another verse, Allah (SWT) reproaches the People of the Book because they took their scholars and monks as lords besides Allah and regarded the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, as the son of Allah, even though he called them only to worship the one God (اتَّخَذُوا أَحْبَارَهُمْ وَرُهْبَانَهُمْ) [Al Tawbah: 31] Translation: “They have taken their scholars and monks as lords besides Allah, and the Messiah, son of Mary, as well, while they were not commanded except to worship the One God….”
