Democracy in Islam

Whether Islam can give rise to human rights and democracy is a deep concern for Western politicians and policy makers. Those who raise it fear that the hard won human rights enjoyed by many citizens of western democracies will be lost if Muslims are integrated into their societies. It is also easy for the concern about Islam's capacity and inclination for human rights and democratic values to be characterised as '¬~clash of the civilizations'. Thus, the issue of Islam and democracy is part of a global or larger contestation affecting nation states, political and religious stripes.Based on Islam's authoritative sources, this book speaks into this global ferment by demonstrating that the political agendas promoting democracy and human values can be grounded in the Qur'an and the life of the Prophet. By exposing Islamic politics of human rights and democracy grounded in the Qur'an, it demonstrates Islam's compatibility with liberal democracy and its values in the realm of government and law; with special focus on what is already established of the political and sociological propensities upon which the democratic attitude toward the self; and the attitude of the other; and the assets upon which the democratic system in any society depends. Particular topics covered include:- Principles of Islam's political theory and the notion of democracy therein- Jihad notion and qualification- Islam and human rights- Value and contribution of Islamic legal ideas to European legal philosophy and law.This concise and comprehensive study offers a balanced understanding of the debated issue of democracy and Islam in the post-September 11 interreligious, intercultural, and international relations. It will be suitable for scholars, political commentators, students and policy makers alike.Sayed Khatab is a Research Fellow in the School of Political and Social Inquiry at Monash University, Australia. His recent publications include The Political Thought of Sayyid Qutb: The Theory of Jahiliyyah (Routledge, 2006) and The Power of Sovereignty: The Political and Ideological Philosophy of Sayyid Qutb (Routledge, 2006).Gary D. Bouma is UNESCO Chair in Interreligious and Intercultural Relations - Asia Pacific at Monash University, Australia. His research examines the management of religious diversity in plural multiculturalism societies, postmodernity as a context for doing theology, and religion and public policy.Khatab, Sayed is the author of 'Democracy in Islam ', published 2007 under ISBN 9780415425742 and ISBN 0415425743.