Does 6:116 reject a Democratic system of governance?
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Dear All, Peace!
6116 Now if thou pay heed unto the majority of those on earth, they will but lead thee astray from the path of God they follow but conjectures, and they themselves do nothing but guess.
The above verse is used by many Islamists to reject democracy and popular opinion. Recently a Saudi cleric gave a fatwa against elections. How does that square with
4238 and who respond to their Sustainer and are constant in prayer; and whose rule is consultation among themselves; and who spend on others out of what We provide for them as sustenance; and
3159 And it was by God's grace that thou didst deal gently with thy followers for if thou hadst been harsh and hard of heart, they would indeed have broken away from thee. Pardon them, then, and pray that they be forgiven. And take counsel with them in all matters of public concern; then, when thou hast decided upon a course of action, place thy trust in God for, verily, God loves those who place their trust in Him.
What, in your opinion is the proper context of this verse and can this verse be used to reject democracy?
Thanks.
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To add to the discussion, sharing a reply from another knowledgeable Brother
Peace brother Mubashir,
Please see context of 6116 and note preceding verse 6114 which talks about seeking other than God for judge. Hence 6116 leans towards matters of religion. (i.e. Those that follow the majority in matters of religion). That is the main purport.
Verses 4238 and 3159 you have quoted are to do with mutual consultations such as with regards matters of public / governmental or administrative concern.
I hope that helps, God willing.
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Salam Mubashir,
Well I think it'd the difference between public and private affairs. In private affair, where each individual can decide on their own, it is indeed wiser not to just follow majority but to think on your own and follow your mind, your heart and of course the guidance of God.I public affairs, when many people have to act together and therefore have to come to a common decision, democracy is the only option if you don't want just the (physically or economically) strongest decide.
Those "Islamists" just want to put themselves as the highest authority and therefore run much more against the quranic principle of self-responsibility than any democracy could do.
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Thanks Ree for a great response. Makes sense !!
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I think the question here is whether there will ever be a Quranic nation where the citizens are predominately Quranist or whether Quranist will always be a minority in different countries.
As far as democracy is concern the main desire for Quranist will be freedom and equality especially if they are a minority so other religious traditions cn not be imposed on them and they can practice and preach their religion freely. A non Quranist democracy might have some laws against the Quran but not that many. A Quranist state and a democracy are very similar in many ways.
I can not see how a Sunni nation can be a democracy. There is too much contradictions between the two systems.
So it seems the real question is what are the simlarities and differences between a Quranic state and a demoracy.