ISLAM AND DEMOCRACY (2017-2018)

  There are two parts to this assignment, essay 1 & essay 2 Essay No. 1 1. Examine forms of disagreement surrounding one of the basic tenets of Islam (e.g. five pillars). How are such disagreements resolved within the Islamic legal tradition (and what does this tell us about the relationship between the Islamic legal tradition and ‘democracy’)? In 1000 words or less (12-point font double-spaced), your essay should cite at least 6 authors from the syllabus (include parenthetical citations with page numbers as well as complete footnotes; no bibliography). Main readings (the writer must find the following readings on the syllabus attached, access can be gained through my log in details for the resources BLE MOODLE university website which I will provide) https://ble.soas.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=11006 Some of the required readings are attached on the above link as they may not be available online. Readings to be used in this essay: 1. Salat in Indonesia by John R Bowen 2. A beautiful example by Kecia Ali 3. Thinking about ikhtilaaf by Mohammed Nachi 4. And God knows the soldiers by Khalid About el Fadl 5. The necessity of Islamic government by Imam Khomeini 6. The writer may use more readings suitable for this essay. Writer must read through the syllabus given and find the readings above within the different weeks. Writer can use his/her own resources to find suitable readings. Essay No. 2 2. One of the central debates concerning an Islamic democracy is the issue of defining the concept of sovereignty. Can Divine Sovereignty ever be unmediated by human subjectivity, i.e., can we have access to Divine Law without human subjectivity, conscious and unconscious motivations, and socio-historical contexts playing substantial roles? Analyse the scholarly debate over this issue. What implications does this debate have in terms of figuring out whether sovereignty lies with all individuals equally, majorities, or specific individuals like political leaders (caliphs and/or representative politicians), or scholars (imams, sheikhs, and/or muftis)? Which conception of sovereignty should be adopted in an Islamic democracy? Make a case for your position. In 1250 words or less (c. 5 double-spaced pages, 12-point font, Times New Roman), your essay should cite at least 8 authors from the syllabus (include complete footnotes; no bibliography). https://ble.soas.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=11006 Some of the required readings are attached on the above link as they may not be available online. Readings to be used in this essay: 1. Political Theory of Islam by Syed Maududi 2. Fear of the Imam by Fatima Mernissi 3. The necessity of an Islamic government 4. John Locke (reading which is already uploaded on the BLE moodle page, look through the weeks on the page or in the syllabus to find it) 5. Use another 4 or more authors from the syllabus to use in this essay. Main readings (the writer must find the following readings on the syllabus attached, access can be gained through my log in details for the resources BLE MOODLE university website which I will provide) https://ble.soas.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=11006 Some of the required readings are attached on the above link as they may not be available online.