The system in which the entire Ummah takes part, is termed by the Quran 'a system by
consultation' (42:38);
It has been ordained by Allah, that "in it, all affairs shall be settled by consultation." This
system shall differ from the western system of democracy in which the nation or the
representatives of a nation possess the comprehensive powers of law-making; in other words
sovereignty belongs to the nation as a whole but in an Islamic Government the sovereignty
belongs to (the Book of) Allah. Leaving aside the representatives of the people, even the
entire nation has no right either to make laws against it, or bring about a change in it. The
opponents of this system used to ask the Rasoole: "If you could make a change in the Quran
according to our liking we are ready to compromise with you". In answer to their demand
Allah addresses the Rasoole thus: (10:15)
"Say: It is not for me, to change it of my own accord. I follow not but what is revealed unto
me. If I were to disobey my Rabb, even slightly, I am afraid of the punishment I shall receive
according to the Law of Requital". It is apparent that when even the Rasoole could not make
any change in it at his own, how can anybody else be allowed to do so Now, as far as the
system of majority and minority in a democratic system is concerned, it is apparent that since
every matter shall have to be decided in accordance with the Quranic Injunctions, so the
question of casting the votes does not arise. The concept that the decisions made by the
majority are based on truth is false. The Rasoole is addressed as follows: (6:117)
"If you were to follow the majority of the people in the land, they would lead you astray from
the path of Allah. They follow nothing but conjecture; they do nothing but indulge in their
own surmises". The criterion to judge between right and wrong is not based on majority or
minority, but on the Book of Allah. The representatives of the Ummah have got to conduct
the State affairs, within the limits laid down in it. The truth cannot remain subject to the
whims and wishes of the people. (23:71)
"If the truth had been in accord with their desire, truly the heavens and the earth and all beings
therein would have been in confusion". Thus the people ought to obey the Truth, and Truth is
the other name for the Holy Quran