Abstract

The relationship between Islam and democracy is a hotly debated topic. Usually the disagreements are expressed in a standard form. In this form, the debaters’ definitions of “Islam” and “democracy” determine the conclusions arrived at. It is possible, depending upon the definitions used, to “prove” both positions: Islam and democracy are compatible and that they are not. To escape from the predefined conclusions, it is necessary to recognize that “Islam” and “democracy” are concepts with many definitions. In the twenty-first century, important interpretations of Islam open the way for political visions in which Islam and democracy are mutually supportive.

DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-8171.2006.00017.x