Nations such as Pakistan have a history of oppressing religions other than Islam. In comparing Christianity, Confucianism, and Islam it becomes apparent that democracy is adaptable to each religion. Different approaches have been taken in different countries. Some nations prevent democratic development while others embrace it. Proponents of modernization theory are correct in their basic assumption that economic development will eventually create some level of political liberalization.
Most of Muslims believe that Koran is the righteous guide because it imposed by God (Allah) himself. In contrary, the democratic system was formed by human and therefore makes democracy less trustable than Koran. However, in the Western perspective, democracy values like human rights, freedom of speech and the separation of religion and country able to support the West future vision; global peace. Thus, spreading democracy is an important agenda for the West. Islamic countries in the Middle East, which is affected by this policy, response this policy as a threat for their traditional belief and counter it by containing the Western influence by all means necessary.
One of the major reasons for th... ... middle of paper ... ...arate legal code for their community, was often perceived as ‘sticking together’. The Islamic precept of considering religion as superior to nationalism (Wataniyyah) and the oft repeated attitude of some Indian Muslims of not bowing before the national flag give rise to a bitterness between the two communities. In fact, such Koranic notions as dividing the world in two regions- Dar es Salaam (the house of peace, where Islam prevails) and Dar el Harb (the house of war, where Islam does not exist) - and proclaiming that there will be lasting peace on earth only when the whole world comes under Islam, are often behind the worldwide anti-Islamic view that we are witnessing in today’s world. Such circumstances, along with the promise to rebuild the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, were fully exploited by the BJP to gain a significant political support and surge to power.
By exploring various subtopics presented in each article, the compatibility paradigm can be justified. In doing so, I will address the democratic and Islamic conceptual overlap, the difference in matters of perspective with regards to philosophy, and democracy as seen in the world today, specifically, how it continues to impact the Muslim community. While both articles exhibit the com... ... middle of paper ... ...ocracy are compatible with each other. Both Ahmad and Lewis emphasize the endless possibilities awaiting the Muslims if they were to adopt this system of government. If the Muslims of this generation are able to accept the true, fair nature of democracy, then many of the Islamic countries facing destruction, poverty, crime, and fraud can resurface with a new identity.
The third argument that Irfan Ahmad highlights is that instead of discussing how Islam is not compatible with democracy, we need to discuss how the West “de-democratized” Muslim states instead. It is possible that the dominant democracy has been harsh to Muslims. So why has democracy been so weak in the Muslim world? This is a huge question due to the promotion of democracy about the Middle East. For example, the Middle East would need a benevolent promoter like the United States of America for it to be compatible with democracy.
In both given articles, “The Roots of Muslim Rage” by Bernard Lewis, and “The Roots of Muslim Rage Revisited” by Nicolaas J.E. van der Zee, argue about the enhancement of the Muslim fundamentalism with different perspectives; however, I believe that Lewis’ view may be quiet misleading to the actual perception. Lewis indicates that Muslim fundamentalism is conceived through the Muslim community’s oppression and dissatisfaction with the West’s political involvement, as well as “Islam is a source of aggression” . In defiance of Lewis’ opinion, the word ‘Islam’ comes from the word peace as well as the will of submission to God. The notion of aggression and violence that Lewis conceptualizes to be the headline of Islam does not have any supporting
This provides that no person shall be held against his or her will without being formally charged with a crime. However, a major difference in regards to legal procedure between our two cult... ... middle of paper ... ...nbsp; Toleration of other religions and traditions Muhammad the statesman felt that it would have been ridiculous and unproductive to be abusive of other religions. After all, Muslim religion was built on Christian and Jewish faith. To attack the foundation, would be undermining the very faith of Islam. Because Islam is both a religion and a state, Muhammad felt it would be easier to run his state welcoming other religions.
They all believe in and they are all committed to Islam and its values of doing good and spreading it. However the concrete reality is that natural barriers such as geography and ethnicity in addition to political, economic and cultural barriers, under colonialism and post colonial era have obstructed the supposed unity of the umma. Nevertheless, the challenges and dangers muslims have been facing in the contemporary world ought to revitalize the awareness of unity and integrity of the muslim communal body. From another angle, the entire world is witnessing an era of globalism through its speedy communications, and transportations with all its negatives and its positives. This may be an opportunity for the muslims to surmount the barriers and gain some kind of unity at least in their thinking and feelings.
Although the western culture is in support of Muslims showing a genuine concern for their human rights and civil liberties, their interference is quite harmless. Muslims don’t like to abstain from electing their own Islamic parties. Telling them not to elect Islamic parties is the same as telling them to give up on Islam and adopt an... ... middle of paper ... ... (accessed September 21, 2011). Einfeld, Jan. “Chapter 1.” In Can Democracy Succeed in the Middle East. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2003.
It was difficult for people to balance their cultural views alongside their religious views. Many ideas and events that a certain culture found to be permissible was found to be controversial to the message of Islam. Although it took tremendous effort from Prophet Muhammad (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) to convince the people of the Pre-Islamic world that Islam was ultimately the Path of Allah, once the people adopted this beautiful religion they found that altering their culture was simply to their benefit. Due to the fact that culture is a set of traditions that have been passed down for centuries, the people found it challenging to maintain the two. Many of the early tribes that were present in the Pre-Islamic world found it problematic to accept the message of Islam.