One of the most disputed and complex issue of this world is the relation between Islam and Democracy. Scholars, politicians, people of different class and several other groups advocate their version in this respect. Several debates, research and analysis has been done on the issue but still there is not a consensus among various sections of people on this issue. A common perception in this regard is that Islam and Democracy are two different notions and it is hard for one to sustain with the other easily. This notion is somehow made because in many Islamic countries democracy is not as strong as it is in other countries of the world and the radical acts of some strong Islamic groups which are in condition to influence governments of several countries.
Islamic scholars however strongly argue that like all other religions Islam has a code of conduct for the followers and certain things have to be followed according to the religious customs but the roots of democracy are as deep in Islam as in any other religion. They further mention that the democratic method is exercised in Islam in the form of shura, when Democracy was not even conceptualized as a ruling system.
Further they say that Islam since its beginning years suggest its followers to not to take decisions alone unless it has got approval by the majority of members. These scholars say that though there are some people who in the name of Islam are involved in several destructive incidents but they are not the true followers of Islam. According to them in Islamic countries where incidents of human rights violations are found, one should look at the economic, social and other factors of the country and Islam has nothing to do with such practices, the religion never suggests anybody to violate human rights.
Reference
John L. Esposito and John O. (2001, December). Islam and Democracy. Retrieved October 19, 2011, from www.neh.gov: http://www.neh.gov/news/humanities/2001-11/islam.html
