Q.3 Give a comparison between Islamic Shurah and present day democratic system. 2022

The Islamic concept of Shurah and the present-day democratic system share certain similarities and differences. Here is a comparison between the two:

1. Concept of Consultation: The concept of consultation is central to both Shurah and the democratic system. In Islamic Shurah, consultation is viewed as a religious obligation, and it involves seeking the opinions of qualified individuals before making a decision. Similarly, in a democratic system, decision-making is based on the will of the people, which is determined through the process of free and fair elections.
2. Representation: In a democratic system, citizens elect representatives who then make decisions on their behalf. In Islamic Shurah, there is no formal system of representation, but rather the consultation process involves seeking the opinions of knowledgeable and qualified individuals.
3. Role of Religion: Islamic Shurah is based on Islamic principles and seeks to implement these principles in the decision-making process. In contrast, modern democratic systems are secular in nature, and religion is not a direct influence on the decision-making process.
4. Power Structure: In a democratic system, power is distributed among different branches of government, including the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. In Islamic Shurah, decision-making is concentrated in the hands of the caliph or the leader of the Muslim community, although he is expected to consult with others before making a decision.
5. Gender Equality: Islamic Shurah emphasizes gender equality in decision-making, and women are encouraged to participate in the consultation process. However, in many Muslim-majority countries, women’s participation in politics is limited. In contrast, modern democratic systems have made significant strides in promoting gender equality, although there are still challenges in achieving full equality.

In conclusion, while there are similarities between Islamic Shurah and modern democratic systems, there are also important differences, particularly in terms of representation, the role of religion, power structure, and gender equality. Nonetheless, the concept of consultation and the importance of seeking the opinions of qualified individuals is a common thread in both systems.