Comparison of Governance in Islamic States

Comparison of Governance in Islamic States
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Comparison of Governance in Islamic States
IntroductionSubstantive law as contained in the Quran governs most Islamic republics. Being a Holy book, the Quran has its own standards that leaders are supposed to adhere to in governing the general public. Most significantly, merit is stressed as the main characteristic to be followed when electing or choosing leaders to serve in public offices. What should be understood is that, merit does not only refer to performance. If looked from an ethical lens of egoism, merit refers to actual performance of duties at everyone`s expense and, also at the expense of everything. The Islamic approach to merit is slightly different though. Merit in Islam is considered as, that which is based in a person`s submission to Allah, the rule of Law, trust, emphatic justice, promise keeping and, integrity. Islamic Leaders who are considered excellent have to adhere to some standards. These standards include:
1 Submission to Allah and conducting governance according to his EdictsAllah`s directions which are supreme ensure the rule of law is checked and that the governing powers are cautiously checked. Allah expressly states that "Anyone who does not govern in ways consistent to Allah`s direction is a wrongdoer" (Quran 5:45).
2 Forgiving, emphatic and, in their decision making they use Shura. This is expressed in the Quran thus: "And by the Mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over their faults, and ask Allah`s Forgiveness for them; and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah, certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust in Him" (Quran 3:159).
3 Truthful and, they should avoid bribes at all costs. Reference can be drawn from the Quran in: "And do not devour your wealth among yourselves through falsehood, and offer it not as a bribe to the authorities that you may knowingly devour a part of the wealth of other people with injustice." (Quran 2:189).
4 Reprimand those who break their word, and, they [leaders] should also keep their word. The Quran supports this: "If you fear treachery from any people throw back their covenant to them so as to be on equal terms that there will be no more covenant between you and them. Certainly Allah likes not the treacherous". (Quran 8:58).
All Muslim states purport to follow the teachings of the Quran which is the ultimate constitution. However, is this case in all Muslim states? With uprisings in the Arab world, the answer points in the negative. The citizens of the respective countries feel a lapse in government and, they have lost confidence in the legitimacy of their governments and, they regard their governments as humiliation agents (Khouri, 2011). However, to discern the position, this paper is going to compare three Islamic coun...