To what extent do you think that Islamic political thought can be Essay

To what extent do you think that Islamic political thought can be reconciled with democracy - Essay Example In the analysis, different theories of democracy in the western world are given, and also, different approaches of Muslims to democracy are analysed. Then, after analysing one of the common arguments on Islam and democracy, an argument is built to show that the basic tenets of democracy and Islamic political thought are incompatible, and therefore, Islamic political thought and democracy are not compatible. Finally, a conclusion is made based on the findings in the paper. To what extent do you think that Islamic political thought can be reconciled with democracy? Before we explore and critically evaluate both arguments for and against the idea that Islam and democracy are, indeed, incompatible, it is necessary to first define and explain Islamic political thought, and the meaning of Democracy in the western world. This will enable us to give an objective and well considered opinion on the issue. First, let us look at the Islamic political thought as elucidated and practiced by Islami c movements such as Islamic brotherhood. The Islamic brotherhood movement, also known as, Hizb al-Ikhwan al-Muslimum, is one of the oldest and largest Islamic movements in the world, known for a supporting Jihad war all over the world (Muslim Brotherhood Movement, online). Some of the main objectives of this movement are to promote the socio-political integration of all Muslims in the world, to protect Islam as a religion, and to promote the economic well-being of all the Muslims in the world. However, besides these noble objectives of the movement, the main object of the Islamic Brotherhood movement is to subjugate the entire world to the Sharia law, which is the main Islamic law. The motto of the movements clearly summarizes the main objective of the movement (Muslim Brotherhood movement, online): Allah is our objective The prophet is our leader The Quran is our law Jihad is our way Dying in the way of Allah is our highest Hope. As it is clear from this motto, for the adherents of the Muslim Brotherhood movement, Allah is the supreme leader of the Muslims and Sharia is the main law or the constitution of the Muslims. And, although, the Muslim Brotherhood movement has exhibited some elements of extremism and has been severely criticised, the movement, however, espouses many real Islam ideals on politics and governance. The term Islam itself means submission (Dahmus, 1968). Islam as a religion requires its followers to unquestionably follow the guidelines of Allah, in all aspects of their lives, as given in the Holy book of the Muslims, the Quran. For this reason, even in matters of governance and politics, Muslims are supposed to follow the dictates of their Holy Book. And according to Quran, Allah is the sovereign ruler of the Muslims, and Sharia, given by Allah, is the constitution of the Muslims. Having explained the Islamic political thought, let us now turn to the Western theories of democracy, so as to compare the two political ideologies to find out wh ether they are compatible or not. Of recent years, democracy has been associated with the western world. However, the idea of Democracy was first mooted by the Greeks. According to Aristotle, one of the ancient Greek scholars and a severe critique of democracy, democracy is a rule of the people, by the people, and for the people

Animal Rights Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 2

Animal Rights - Research Paper Example Studies suggest that, in the last century or so, almost every medical breakthrough that is relevant to both the animal and human world has had significant contributions from animal research. Such breakthroughs range from antibiotics, chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and organ transplants among others (Jessen). These experiments have contributed significantly towards the quality and length of human life by handling some of the most difficult moments in human life known as disease and health conditions and complications. The above is due to the potential use of animal research in treating heart diseases and cancer, where it has contributed by bringing chemotherapy as an option in controlling and getting rid of cancer in humans and some animals. Due to animal testing and research, there are numerous lives saved from pain and loss since the research conducted provides an avenue to clear any anguish caused by disease. In addition, research on animals allows humans to come up with new vaccines or means of preventing diseases and some conditions that cannot be handled through any other means. This is especially so for the military, where animal research allows them to protect themselves from infection with malaria, Japanese encephalitis and Ross River fever (McGregor). The use of animal research, therefore, implies that without animal research, it would be virtually impossible beat the spread of some of these diseases or even receive treatment for them. In addition to health, animal research has allowed humans to wipe out some of the suffering that humans face across the world. This is following the use of animals in experiments, where humans are not used to find cures for painful diseases and conditions such as arthritis. This ensures that humans do not have to go through the same pain when suffering from the condition. As such, animal research