Islamic Constitutionalism and the Concept of Democracy

By: Azizah al-Hibri, Esq.

Recent developments in the Arab World, especially those surrounding the Gulf War, prompted demands for the introduction of democratic changes to systems of government in that region. These demands spurred a broad-based debate among Muslims concerned about the correct Islamic point of view on the subject. This article contributes to the debate by analyzing Islamic constitutionalism’s position on democratic governance.