Author: Muhammad Dawood Yousufi Eshaqzahi
Islam and Democracy (Part 3)
The Merits and Advantages of Democracy
Regardless of any comparison between democracy and the Islamic political system, democracy has generally been regarded as superior—or at least less harmful—than many other forms of government that humanity has experienced throughout history, such as absolute monarchies, autocratic and dictatorial regimes, communist governments, and fascist socialist systems. Advocates of democracy have identified numerous merits and advantages of this form of government, some of which are outlined below.
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Civic Education
The renowned French political thinker Alexis de Tocqueville emphasized that one of democracy’s greatest strengths is its role as a school for citizenship. Democracy guarantees the right to vote and the right to challenge electoral outcomes, thereby educating citizens in the proper exercise of these rights. According to this view, no other form of government provides comparable opportunities for civic education. Similarly, Gettell wrote, “The greatest merit of any form of government lies in its ability to cultivate the virtue and intelligence of its people. The primary criterion for judging any political system is the extent to which it develops the intellectual and moral qualities of its citizens.”
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Governmental Efficiency
One of the principal criteria for evaluating any political system is its effectiveness. The efficiency of a government can be measured by its performance in both ordinary and extraordinary circumstances.
It has been argued that public elections, public accountability, and public responsibility make democratic governments more efficient than other political systems. Democracy disciplines the masses, nurtures a sense of civic responsibility, and transforms citizens into individuals willing to sacrifice for the common good.
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Protection of Individual Liberties
Democracy is regarded as the only form of government that effectively safeguards individual freedoms and constitutionally guarantees citizens’ rights.
For this reason, John Stuart Mill strongly supported democracy. Freedom of opinion, freedom of the press, and the right of peaceful assembly are among the fundamental civil liberties protected within democratic systems.
Democracy recognizes the intrinsic worth of every individual and assures each citizen of the opportunity to participate in the development of society. According to Lowell, in a perfect democracy no one would complain that his or her voice goes unheard. Likewise, Hearnshaw observed that democracy establishes a direct connection between every individual and the center of political life, ensuring that everyone’s views receive due consideration.
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Equality
Democracy seeks equality in both political and economic spheres. It recognizes the right to vote, the right to challenge elections, and equal access to public office regardless of race, color, religion, or gender. It rejects inherited privileges and special status.
Economically, democracy aims to provide equal opportunities and economic security for all citizens. In a genuine democracy, every individual is entitled to at least the basic necessities of life and social security.
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Public Education
Democracy also contributes significantly to public education. Electoral campaigns function as a form of political education. During elections, candidates and their supporters publicly debate issues of national importance, distribute informational materials, and explain their parties’ policies and programs.
Through this process, citizens become familiar with the platforms of competing political groups and cast their votes according to informed preferences. Such participation enhances political awareness and enables citizens to understand public affairs more effectively. As Burns observed, “Every government educates its people in some way; however, the best education is self-education. Therefore, the best government is self-government—that is, democracy.”
In summary, supporters of democracy argue that:
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Democracy is the wisest form of government.
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Democracy minimizes political corruption.
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Democracy is the most just political system.
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Democracy provides the most peaceful means of resolving conflicts.
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Democracy strengthens national loyalty while reducing excessive ethnic nationalism.
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Democracy is the most stable form of government.
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Democracy promotes freedom of expression.
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Democracy encourages intellectual development.
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Democracy enhances individuals’ psychological well-being.
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Democracy provides the best foundation for scientific and rational administration.
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Democracy promotes meritocracy.
The following section examines the shortcomings and criticisms of democracy as presented by classical and modern Western scholars.
The Deficiencies and Criticisms of Democracy
Despite its apparent advantages, a deeper examination of democracy reveals, according to its critics, a reality that differs considerably from its attractive outward appearance. They argue that democratic ideals are often employed merely as instruments for advancing the strategic interests of powerful Western states. Some of the principal criticisms include the following.
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The Rule of Ignorance
Aristotle, often regarded as the father of political science, considered democracy a corrupt form of government in which the ignorant governed. His teacher, Plato, likewise described democracy as the rule of ignorance. [1]
Lecky characterized democracy as “government becoming the plaything of the poorest, most ignorant, and least qualified members of society—who inevitably constitute the majority.”
Under democracy, wise and competent individuals may remain marginalized, while uninformed majorities determine public affairs. Consequently, elected representatives may lack both the competence and practical wisdom necessary for effective governance.
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Lack of Moral Commitment
Critics argue that democracy is founded upon the absolute authority of human opinion rather than divine guidance. Consequently, it lacks a binding moral and religious foundation.
Voters are not necessarily guided by conscience to choose the most qualified candidates. Instead, they may be influenced by personal interests, partisan loyalties, ambitions, or emotional attachments. Likewise, legislators often fail to prioritize justice and truth in their decisions. [2]
According to this critique, political institutions—including international organizations such as the United Nations—frequently operate according to political alliances and national interests rather than objective justice. Vetoes, speeches, and public displays of concern for oppressed peoples are often interpreted as political strategies designed to advance hidden agendas. [3]
Moreover, majority opinion is not always synonymous with the public interest. In many technical matters, the informed judgment of a knowledgeable minority may be more reliable than the opinion of the majority, particularly when specialists possess recognized expertise and credibility.
To be continued…
References:
[1] Foundations of Political Science, p. 304.
[2] Foundations of Political Science, p. 305.
[3] Foundations of Political Science, p. 309.
