A question keeps coming up: How do we establish the [Islamic] state?
Here, we ought to first study the form of the state that could preserve the general order. Since there is no specific formula, we can choose the form we find best. Thus, it can take the form of a democratic system within the framework of general Islamic lines. These lines determine what is allowed (Halal) and what is forbidden (Haram).
In light of this, we can talk about the legitimacy of the rotation of power. Preserving order could be based on electing a ruler for a certain period of time. He would be succeeded by another ruler for a certain period. In this way, Islamic parties can assume power in succession. The rule would be founded on their ruling-derivation (Ijtihad), according to the line they find best.
It must be noted that we are referring here to Muslims who form the majority in a certain country. They are represented by a system based on an Islamic constitution. This constitution is headed by a Muslim ruler capable of exercising power. He ensures the application of the laws according to the Shariah. The same applies to a secular system. Its constitution is based on the principles of secularism. It is headed by a ruler who believes in secularism. He seeks to preserve it by exercising his powers and applying the constitution. The two trends might have the same stand regarding other trends. Secularism does not allow handing over power to those who oppose its constitution. The same is true for the Islamic community.
We differ with democracy about a central philosophical point. Democracy considers that the majority possesses legitimacy. It holds that all the decisions and actions of this majority are right without any restraints. No one, within this framework, can impose restraints or limits on the majority. This contradicts the view of Islam.
We have always said that we adopt democracy, or the rule of the majority, as a mechanism. Yet we do not adopt its philosophy. Therefore, I am not talking here about the concept of democracy, but about the concept of the majority. Democracy, as a concept, has many intellectual implications which we do not approve of. This drives us to express our reservations regarding the usage of prevalent political terms. These terms entail implications and concepts that contradict our belief.
Source: Extracted from the book “Ijtihad between the Seizure of the Past and the Horizons of the Future.”
A question keeps coming up: How do we establish the [Islamic] state?
Here, we ought to first study the form of the state that could preserve the general order. Since there is no specific formula, we can choose the form we find best. Thus, it can take the form of a democratic system within the framework of general Islamic lines. These lines determine what is allowed (Halal) and what is forbidden (Haram).
In light of this, we can talk about the legitimacy of the rotation of power. Preserving order could be based on electing a ruler for a certain period of time. He would be succeeded by another ruler for a certain period. In this way, Islamic parties can assume power in succession. The rule would be founded on their ruling-derivation (Ijtihad), according to the line they find best.
It must be noted that we are referring here to Muslims who form the majority in a certain country. They are represented by a system based on an Islamic constitution. This constitution is headed by a Muslim ruler capable of exercising power. He ensures the application of the laws according to the Shariah. The same applies to a secular system. Its constitution is based on the principles of secularism. It is headed by a ruler who believes in secularism. He seeks to preserve it by exercising his powers and applying the constitution. The two trends might have the same stand regarding other trends. Secularism does not allow handing over power to those who oppose its constitution. The same is true for the Islamic community.
We differ with democracy about a central philosophical point. Democracy considers that the majority possesses legitimacy. It holds that all the decisions and actions of this majority are right without any restraints. No one, within this framework, can impose restraints or limits on the majority. This contradicts the view of Islam.
We have always said that we adopt democracy, or the rule of the majority, as a mechanism. Yet we do not adopt its philosophy. Therefore, I am not talking here about the concept of democracy, but about the concept of the majority. Democracy, as a concept, has many intellectual implications which we do not approve of. This drives us to express our reservations regarding the usage of prevalent political terms. These terms entail implications and concepts that contradict our belief.
Source: Extracted from the book “Ijtihad between the Seizure of the Past and the Horizons of the Future.”