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II) Democracy in Islam & Rights of the People:

a) In an Islamic Government all have equal rights and all are equal before the Islamic Law. No one can enslave or dictate any one. The Holy Quran states that even the Prophets of Almighty Allah, who enjoyed all the respect and power neither enslaved the people nor dictated their authority over them.. How can then a ruler or any one dictate or enslave the people and usurp their freedom and rights?

The Holy Quran states:

“ It was absolutely not appropriate for any man that when Allah

had granted him the Book, power and Prophet-hood, he then would

have commanded the people to become his slaves. No, he, on the

other hand, preached that that they should become the learned and

slaves of Allah, as this Book (Al-Quran) requires, which you have

been teaching as well as studying.” (3:79)

The above Verse indicates that none, how big he is, has the right to dictate his authority and confiscate the rights of the people.

b) The Holy Prophet once appeared before his Companions. As a mark of respect, all of them stood up for him. The Holy Prophet said:

“You must not show respect as the ‘Ajamees’(or the non-Arabs)do.”

[This has been reported in ‘Tafseer Fi Zilal-il-Quran’ under 2:145 on

the authority of Abu Daud and Ibn Majah.]

Who will not stand up for the Holy Prophet – the leader of all the Prophets? Not only by words but by his deeds, the Holy Prophet raised the dignity and esteem of the people. Al- Quran also states:

c) Again, it has been reported that when the Holy Prophet appointed Maaz bin Jabal as the Governor of Yemen, he moved out of Madina (to bid him farewell). On the way, he gave him certain instructions by walking, while the later was riding…(Ahmad – Mishkat: 4997).

This indicates the excellent treatment of the Holy Prophet towards his officials and companions. Can the history provide such a glorious and unparalleled example of democracy and esteem of the people?

d) The Holy Prophet was instructed in the Holy Quran to consult his Companions (in the matters of the State) (3:159).

e) In Surah As-Shura, it was stated that the decisions (regarding the matters of the State) are made through consultation (and collective wisdom of the people). (42:38)

III) Islamic Law: The Islamic Law (Shariah), based on Al-Quran and the teachings of the Holy Prophet, is the Supreme Law of the Islamic state. The Holy Quran states:

“ …Whosoever does not give (his) verdict according to what Allah has

revealed, then they are those, who are ‘kaafirun’ (pagans)…‘zalimun’

(unjust)…and ‘Fasiqun’ (disobedient and rebels).” (5:44-47)

To rule is the Right of Almighty Allah only, and He alone provides the Commandments to the people for living in this world (6:114). All are equal and have equal rights before the Law. The Islamic Government is established and run through consultation and collective wisdom of the people (3:159;42:38). Justice prevails and there is no nepotism, favoritism etc. in the Islamic Government and the society.

(42:15;4:58;6:152)

The people obey the rulers and officials within the Commandments of the Almighty Allah and the Holy Prophet (4:59). Accordingly, the people in the Government cannot take economic or other advantages due to their official or political position.