The Qur'an, Democracy and Global Ethics: An Introduction

arnoldyasin

BY AY Mol

The Qur'an is meant as a spiritual and moral guidance form mankind. The Qur'an calls itself Hudan anNass (2185), a guide for humanity, and calls us to Dar asSalaam (1025), a life and state of Peace. A guide which guides to peace can therefore never be used for oppression and tyranny.The Qur'an says that humanity is a connected nation (1019) with a common origin (41), that each person as a human being is honoured by God (1770), has complete freedom of thought (2256) and that all people from all belief systems that improve mankind are honoured and respected (262, 569, 4913). That there are differences between nations is a positive thing (4913) and should never be a reason for exclusion or conflict. Justice is the only real criteria. Like many other belief systems, Islam strives for social justice, peace, spirituality and morality in society (1690). Democracy belongs to the core value of Islam, in which the whole world and each society together discussess important matters (423. The government should be entrusted to honest and decent people who can safeguard the freedom, peace and rights all people (Amanat = peace and security, 458, 218. The governments must be respected if it is democratic (3159).

This is the way in which the first Muslim generations acted, but unfortunately leaders came to power who removed the democratic elements from the Islamic society, which had a direct impact on government policies, theology and
law that arose in the early and late Middle Ages. This has created misunderstandings among Muslims and non-Muslims about the flexible and liberal potential of the Qur'anic Message, and we at DRC are working hard together with scholars, thinkers and activists from all the world to clear up these misunderstandings and neglected potentials.

Cooperation between different population groups and religions is the way to peace and social justice. This is best expressed in a global multi-party system. Each group in mankind is represented and each can ensure that their interests and ideas are heard and carried (3918, 4238-43). The Qur'an calls on Muslims, all peaceful persons, to work together for the world we live in to maintain and improve it (3110, 1111, 2361, 3828 etc.). The Qur'an emphasizes this with the story of Joseph (Yousouf) which helped improve the land of Egypt and a high position in the government was (1254-56). The story of Joseph are mentioned as one of the lessons humankind (12111), to stress the importance of his life as an example.

Morality is central to Islam

Honesty in actions and thoughts
Social assistance to all people old, young, sick, poor etc.
Not harm society by violence or crime
Maintain purity of body and mind
Being peacefulwith fellow human beings and the environment
Responsibility to maintain social harmony and improve society

1690 God commands justice, creating balance in the society, benefiting humanity, kindness to His creation, and giving to relatives. And He forbids all indecent deeds, immodesty, stinginess and rebellion. He instructs you (again) so that you may take it to heart.

3918 Those who listen to the Word, and follow the best of its application (in a given situation), such are the ones whom God has guided, and they are the ones endowed with insight.

1770 Surely, We have conferred dignity on the descendants of the human species (as a birth right, regardless of where the child is born).

2256 There is no compulsion in the system; the proper way has been made clear from the wrong way. Whoever rejects the transgressors and unjust rulers, and trusts on God, has grasped the firm branch that will never break. God is Hearer, Knower.

4238-43 They respond to their Lord by establishing Salaat, and conduct their affairs by mutual consultation, and they keep open for the welfare of others what We have given them. And whenever gross injustice is inflicted upon them, they defend themselves and stand up for their rights. But requiting evil may become an evil in itself! So, whoever pardons and makes peace, his reward rests with God. Surely, He does not love the violators of human rights. And those who stand up for their rights and defend themselves, when they have been wronged, for such, there is no blame.The blame is on those who oppress people and cause disorder on earth resorting to aggression, unprovoked. They are the ones for whom there is an awful doom.Certainly, whoever is patient and forgives, that is from the strength of character.

458 God commands you to entrust your Rights and Protection to those who are capable, competent and sincere. They shall rule and judge equitably. Give your trusts to whom they belong. The Enlightenment from God is a blessing for you. He is Hearer, Seer of all that transpires in the Universe and in your society.

2188 So, knowingly, do not devour the wealth and property of one another in a wrongful manner, nor bribe the officials or the judges to deprive others of their rightful belongings. This kind of behavior drags down your own humanity and harms the collective welfare of the society.

3159 It is God's mercy that you (O Messenger!) are lenient and compassionate with people. For, if you were harsh and stern of heart, they would have broken away from you. So, pardon them, arrange for their security, and consult with them in matters of public interest. Then, once you have taken a decision, put your trust in God. Surely, God loves those who do their best and then trust in God.

1311 Each person has forces in rotation surrounding him. They guard the person and record his actions according to the command of God. Most certainly, God does not change the condition of a people until they first change themselves. And when God intends a people to suffer calamity (as a consequence of their misdeeds), there is none who can repel it. For, they have no protector besides Him.

1019 All mankind were and are but one united community.

4913 O Mankind! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes so that you might (affectionately) come to know one another. Surely, the most honored among you, in the sight of God, is the one who is best in conduct. God is Knower, Aware.

1025 God invites to the abode of peace and wholeness, and guides whoever wills (to be guided) on a straight path (towards justice and protection for all mankind).

4619 And for all there will be ranks according to what they did so that He may recompense their actions. And none shall be wronged.

1317 ...While what is of benefit to mankind, abides on earth.

2361 It is those who race with one another to improve the quality of life for humanity, and it is those who are worthy of winning good things.

262 Indeed, those who believe (in the Qur'an and call themselves Muslims, peaceful and protecting other human beings), and those who are Jews, and Christians and those who follow other religions and beliefs; whoever has trust in God and the Future and does works that benefit humanity, their reward is with their Developer and Sustainer of all their stages of existence. For them shall be no fear from without, nor shall grief touch them from within.

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Farabi

Hi, nice one.
Well, one of the quran concept about governacy is syuro (counsilship), that is as far as I understand

3159 It was a mercy from God that you were soft towards them; had you
been harsh and mean hearted, they would have dispersed from
you; so pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult
them in the matter; but when you are convinced, then put your
trust in God; for God loves those who put their trust.

4238 And those who have responded to their Lord, and they hold the
bond, and their affairs are conducted by mutual consultation
among themselves, and from Our provisions to them they give.