Election or Selection; Re. Democracy and a New Selection System:

1. Introduction:               Sometime ago a modest piece was penned on a similar topic and central idea of same is shared as follows. “For example, if we have identified 25-fields, then we should make an endeavor to select; e.g. 25-Ministers. But unlike an election, the voters list should comprise of people of that specific field only. That is; if we were to select Health Minister, then candidates would be from the same field and voters would include; doctors, paramedical staff etc. Similarly, a Finance Minister would be selected by; economic / finance experts, bankers, chartered accountants etc”. To read full article, readers may click the following link.

2. What Sort of Leadership and What Selection System Do We Need?

https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/what-sort-leadership-selection-system-do-we-need-haque/

3. Obvious Questions?              Whenever a new idea is floated; it is essential to positively address the feedback with a view to fine tune the concept. In this respect five (i-v) pertinent queries have been raised, which are listed and responded below.               

4. (i) The looming Question Remains How it can be Introduced?                  It is only known to Allah SWT that when, where, how and who will transform the system? But in the meantime, it is very important that we must call, ‘a spade, a spade’ and raise our voice against ills in societies. This lesson has been taught to us by Quran (3:104) & Sunnah i.e. to stop an evil with hand, tongue or at least believe that it’s an evil in our hearts.

5. (ii) If Democracy is not the Forum to Determine Leadership then What is?    Instead of elections, the concept of; ‘selection of the honest and the competent by people of wisdom’ is being proposed. Allah SWT say; 'Are those who know equal to those who know not'?” (Extract from Surah Az-Zumar, verse no. 9 OR 39:9). In view of the above, it is believed that present day system of democracy is either being supported to protect vested interest of a few or it is being followed in ignorance.

6. (iii) If these Selectors come from the same background would this not lead to Nepotism and Incestuous Trends?               The future is only known to Allah SWT, hence we cannot predict anything with surety. Nevertheless, if we make an effort to strictly follow Quran & Sunnah, then at least we will remain on the straight path which will ensure a better Hereafter. Further, it is not winning or losing, which is important; it is the path which we chose in pursuit for acquisition of our goals, is most important. For example, it is not significant how much money one has; but it is of prime significance that how that money was earned.

7. (iv) The Unrelenting Question Raised by Plato's Was; Who will Guard the Guardians? It is indeed an important question and only fair rules & laws can help us to guard the guardians. It is vital to note that rules & laws if made by a certain class of people, then it will remain biased towards that group (making laws). In view of the above, it is best that we adopt laws which have been made by Allah SWT, because they will remain fair to everyone.   

8. (v) As Educated People are all Supporters of Democracy; Which Teaches us that it is Of The People, For The People and by The People?              This is one of the biggest facade (slogan) to deceive people, as it is an unjust system. Had it been fair to everyone, then the biggest democracy would have at least given basic necessities to all its people (where over 40% or 400M do not even have toilets). Similarly, then citizens of Arizona, Louisiana, Missouri etc would also have enjoyed equal rights and would have been living peacefully. In democracy; political parties, their leaders and all active players (i.e. ruling as well as opposition) enjoy benefits and power in tandem.     

9. Divine Guidance:                  Quran & Sunnah offer rules & laws based on basic concept of ‘equality & justice’. It does not talk of equal distribution of wealth; instead it inculcates that wealth production & distribution should be done with justice. It is unfortunate that we have not spend enough time & effort to understand its (Quran’s) message. For example, Islam unlike capitalism shuns ‘interest’ (which gives an unfair advantage to rich), but it encourages private enterprise unlike communism. So the rule is simple i.e. whosoever will get educated, works hard and / or who is learned, skillful and takes business risk will have a better chance of acquiring a bigger share of the pie. Hence people have to strive for excellence, while judiciary must ensure justice at all times.

In light of the above, this author wishes to share a few related modest pieces, which may bring more clarity on subject.

10. Why Are Laws Made and Why To Take References From Quran & Sunnah?

https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/why-laws-made-take-references-from-quran-sunnah-haque/

11. Legislature, Judiciary and Executive, Re. Surah An-Nisa:

https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/legislature-judiciary-executive-re-surah-an-nisa-haque/

12. What Comes First; Love or Justice?

https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/what-do-we-need-first-love-justice-muhammad-rizwan-ul-haque/

May Allah SWT help & guide us to introduce laws based on Quran & Sunnah (Aameen).