Theocracy and Objectives of government in Islamic political system
While tolerating and respecting people and even those with opposing political and religious views, a theocracy provides guidance and seeks happiness of its people. Indifference and apathy towards values and issues related to perfection and true happiness is not compatible with Islamic principles.
The term of theocracy requires Islam to determine the framework and general policies of the government or at least its basics and objectives. The concept of theocracy can be defined as an “organization that all its pillars are based on Islam.”
Different political systems and schools are distinguished based on definition they provide of the position of government and its purpose and obligations.[1] Therefore, because of its ontological, anthropological and epistemological principles, Islam has its own political system.
The objectives of the Islamic government and its duties can be defined here in the terms of security, justice and social welfare by drawing on Islamic sources and based on Islamic ontology, anthropology and values.
Is directing the society towards perfection and promoting monotheism is among the duties of theocracy? Does Islam condone interference in the domain of values or is this domain outside of government’s power, dominance and interference?
Objectives of Islamic government can be explored by using intra or extra-religious approaches. In extra-religious approach the issue is discussed by drawing on the ontological and epistemological basics of Islam and its general principles; the other approach discusses the issue from a intra-religious point of view and by drawing on religious texts and sources.
Note:
[1] Ahmad Vaezi, Islamic government, p. 220
Ahmad Niazi, graduate of Qom Seminary and Phd student of Al Mustafa international university
Source: political science journal, No. 3
Translated by: Sadroddin Musawi
Other links:
Liberal Democracy (Economy, Culture, Values)
Liberal Democracy (Justice and Happiness)
