The modem democratic state is a type of state which
came into existence in 19th century largely as an effect of the French
Revolution and the industrial Revolution of-the absolute nation-state of 16th
and the 17th century. But the Islamic state came into existence in the 7th
century as an effect of the greatest Revolution of the world which was not only
political and economic but also social and ethical.
Islam is a peat religion and it has revolutionized every
aspect of human life. So Islamic democracy in its connotation in wider than
western democracy. It means not only political. Equality but also social
equality. In Islamic society all are equal. There are no class-divisions or
distinctions of birth and social position. All members of the society enjoy
equal status and position the only criterion of superiority in Islamic society
is personal ability and character. Allah says: “O mankind! I created you out of
a single pair of a male and a female. The most honored of you the-sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous of you.” So according to Islam one is
superior except which are most pious and righteous.
In Islam the concept of human brotherhood and
equality is vital and basic. The lowest of the low must have the same rights as
the highest of the high the President of the Republic. The first effective
endeavor of Islam to establish social equilibrium is its emphasis on equality.
The Holy Prophet said:” All men are equal in their human rights”.
Everyone has got its equal rights of progress in
Islamic society; the restricted scope for personal achievement is the hall-mark
of Islamic society. Islam not only emphasizes social equality, but also bans
such attitude and activities as are likely to disturb social harmony. Democracy
in capitalistic countries grants simply equal political rights. So, through
manipulation of the non-restricted freedom, the capitalists make masses their
wage-slave. It results in mockery and forces all the wealth and resources under
a capitalistic democracy are concentrated in the hands of a few capitalists.
They through their money-power turn the state into the servant of their
interests as against the interests of the general masses. This dangerous
possibility is not expected to occur in the Islamic state.
In capitalistic society, money determines one’s
place in society. This is against the spirit of Islam. In a true Islamic
society no man can lord over others on the strength of a swollen purse. Islam
cut the very root of the possibility of economic exploitation by prohibiting
vested interest, hoarding, profiteering, by imposing zakat and by declaring
that all that is in the heaven and the earth belongs to God alone.
Islam ensures social justice and economic security
for all by a comprehensive system of check and balances on the sources of
‘income, the means of living and the avenues of expenditure. It thus acts as a
preventive check on the capitalistic tendencies and evils. Islam also
enunciates its scheme of economic freedom and security through its scheme of
equitable distribution of wealth and resources. It declares the state ownership
of all natural resources.
Right to private property is not doubt recognized
by-Islam, but it is hedged round by salutary checks. Islam imposes heavy social
responsibilities on the rich. There is a warning for serious punishment in
store for those who abuse their riches to the detriment of society it has
declared that all authority belongs to Allah alone, huts every man, being. His
representative -- Khalifa, is entitled to exercise that authority. No nobility,
no priest has any discriminating privileges. Thus political equality or ‘rule
of law’ of capitalistic democracy is also fully secured in Islam.