Analytical Study of the Reasons for Differences Among Leaders in Contemporary Political Disagreements in the Light of the Qur'an and Sunnah

Abstract

This paper gives a critical examination of the origins of disparities amongst the leaders in modern political conflicts in the context of the Quran and Sunnah. Political battles are not only the result of ideological difference but they are greatly affected by individual interests, institutional set-ups, social-economic interests, and pressure of the people. The paper has identified that most of the leaders are more concerned about their individual and group interests at the expense of the national good leading to segregation, suspicion and wars. In the Quran, consultation (shura), justice, and unity have been emphasized, and as an additional value, tolerance, humility, and collective decision-making can be seen in the Sunnah by means of practical examples. Nevertheless, the contemporary political sphere proves the absence of compliance with these principles, as media and, especially, social media can only exacerbate the conflict instead of resolving it. The study explores several aspects of political disputes and includes such aspects as ideology, personal reasons, organizational and party systems, socio-economic and interest factors, media and social pressure. Classical Islamic thought is used in the reference of Imam al-Mawardi, Imam Ibn Khaldun, Imam Ghazali, Imam Shafi an work, and Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya in order to gain a comparison of Islamic directions to modern realities. Their reflections also note that conflict is the reality of the human society and has to be dealt with wisdom, justice as well as respect. Moreover, the article holds the position that disagreement managed by way of consultation, knowledge and sincerity can result in growth, reform and unity. On the other hand, when their intentions are egoistic, unjust or politically engineered, they divide and weaken the government. These results highlight the fact that contemporary political leadership must invoke Islamic moral concepts of consultation, accountability and collective good to eliminate the destructive conflicts. Incorporation of Quranic injunctions and prophetic practices in the political behavior will enable leaders to change the differences into constructive dialogue that will advance national and collective interests.   The approach is analytical and can be used in the academic discourse on Islamic political thought, and to provide practical solutions on how to go about leadership wrangles in the contemporary societies.

Keywords: Political disagreements, Leadership conflicts, Qur’an and Sunnah, Consultation (Shura), Organizational structures, Socio-economic interests, Islamic political thought