The Conflict Between the Democratic System and the Ruling System In Islam

The democratic system conflicts with the Islamic system in the fundamentals as well as the branches. It is not proper to equate both systems if there exist some similarities between them. Since democracy is Kufr and Islam if belief the term 'democracy' or any of its meaning was not used by the Islamic State that continued in its implementation of Islam for thirteen centuries. In the absence of the system of Islam, people started seeing a democratic system as opposed to dictatorship and military system. Naturally, people chose the democratic system over the oppressing ones; while all of them are systems of Kufr. When we say no to democracy, we do not mean yes to oppressive, dictatorial systems. Rather, we mean the Islamic system which is mercy mankind, revealed from the most Merciful the most Compassionate. However, if certain processes in the Islamic system, such as the election of the Khalifah thereby giving him the bay'a, are similar to the election of a public official in a Democratic system, we should not conclude that democracy is part of Islam. Following is a summary of both systems:

Democratic System

Islamic System

1. Its bases are made by humans. 2. The ruling systems is in the form of republics (Pakistan, Egypt), or kingship (Jordan, Saudi Arabia). And it allows any structure of government acceptable to people. 3. Democracy is established on two premises; I. Supremacy is for the people. II. The people are the source of authorities. The ruling structure is composed of three authorities which legislate laws and implements them; I. The Executive Branch II. The Legislative branch III. The Judicial Branch other institutions support these authorities, such as, the army, internal security, etc. 4. Since supremacy is for the people, they have the power to legislate. 5. The judiciary system is a civil one. 6. In the democratic system, the foreign policy is based on honoring the international borders and waters because they are a manifestation of respect to people's freedom in choosing their systems, laws, and rulers. 7. The democratic system stands for disunity and for the existence of several state. This is called respecting the independence of these states. 8. Not only that the democratic systems recognizes nationalities and races, but they also encourage them to exist and protect them. 9. The ruler is elected for a specific period of time, (four to six years). 10. In democracy it is permissible to revolt, demonstrate against the ruler. 11. It is allowed to form opposition parties that are not based on Islam, such as, secular, & nationalist parties. 12. Under democracy, political frame is divided into a ruling party and an opposition. 13. Democracy allows all members of society to compete for the ruling position. This is regardless of his credentials, or personal qualities, or religious commitment. 14. Democracy is not consultation. Democracy is a method of ruling that contains major guidelines and details. It does not emanate from Sharia. Thus, it is not a divine law as Shura. 15. Democracy emphasizes "compromise" solution. 16. Democracy is established on the belief of capitalism i.e., separation of religion and state. 17. The democratic way of life emanates from a civilization established on benefit and neglects other values. 18. In democracy, majority rules. 19. Democracies sanctifies liberties. Individual's freedom determines what a society should be.

1. Its basis is taken from revelation from Allah (swt). 2. The ruling system is that of Khilafah. This system has no succession by inheritance. And it does not allow switching form Al-Khilafah to republicanism or kingship. 3. In Islam, the supremacy is for the Sharia and not for the people. The Ummah appoints somebody to implement and rule by the Sharia. As for the structure of the ruling system, it is as follows: I. The Khalifah II. The Associates (Mu'awen-ul-Tafweed) III. The Associate who carries out orders IV. The Ameer of Jihad V. Governors VI. Judges VII. The Administrative System VIII. Majlis-Shura IX. The Army 4. The revelation is the source of laws; and the people elect the person to implement the Sharia. 5. The judiciary system in Islam is a Sharia one (only). 6. Under the Islamic ruling system, the foreign policy is tied with Jihad, conquest and spread of Islam. It destroys borders and physical barriers to save humanity from worshipping each other to worshipping the Lord of humanity. 7. The system of Khilafah does not recognize the physical borders or the independence of one Muslim country from another. 8. The Islamic ruling system does away with all nationalities, tribalistic bonds and races and melts them into Islam. 9. The Khalifah is chosen for life as long as he is able, wise (Aqil) and not known for misconduct. 10. The only case where it is allowed to disobey the ruler is when he orders to disobey Allah (swt). 11. It is not allowed to form parties which are not based on Islam as a doctrine and a way of life. 12. Society is not divided in such a manner. However, the people or the Ummah council question the ruler. if he deserves to be removed, the court of injustices (Mahakmatul mathalim) takes that decision. 13. Islam demands the candidate to be male, Muslim, adult, free, and not known of misconduct and disobedience to Allah. 14. Consultation (Shura) is not a method of governing that contains major guidelines and details. Also it is not one of the ruling pillars. Rather, it is merely taking an opinion which is binding in some cases and not binding in others. However, Shura is a divine rule. 15. Islam, on the other hand, obligates its followers to take that which the Messenger (saaws) brought i.e., Quran and Sunnah 16. The Islamic civilization is established on the spiritual base i.e., believing in Allah (swt) and Halal and Haram are the criterion for all actions in life. 17. Happiness in Islam is achieving the pleasure of Allah the Supreme. 18. In Islam, Sharia rules. 19. Islam has its own rules regarding the rights of the individual and of the Jama'a. This is in contrast to the Western notion of freedom and liberties.