| ID | 097520 |
| Title Proper | Is shura a muslim form of democracy? roots and systemization of a polemic |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Shavit, Uriya |
| Publication | 2010. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | The article examines the contemporary debate in Muslim-Arab scholarship as to the compatibility of Islam and Western democracy. This debate centres on interpretations of shura, or consultation. The article claims that Islam, as a body of texts, traditions and practices, does not favour or reject any specific system of government. Rather, four main theories on Islam and democracy compete for hegemony: a theory integrating some aspects of Western democracy with shura and rejecting others; a theory dichotomizing shura and democracy; a theory contending that shura is democracy; and a theory legitimizing exiting political orders by defining them as manifestations of shura. The article examines the historical roots of each of these theories and analyzes the social-political roles they play. |
| `In' analytical Note | Middle Eastern Studies Vol. 46, No. 3; May 2010: p.349 - 374 |
| Journal Source | Middle Eastern Studies Vol. 46, No. 3; May 2010: p.349 - 374 |
| Key Words | Shura ; Muslim ; Democracy ; Systemization ; Polemic ; Dichotomizing Shura |