Cultural Factors for Cohesive Governance

Abstract

One of the key challenges in establishing an Islamic system of governance is creating internal cohesion and external affinity. Internally, it is essential that all participants subscribe to the concept of Islamic Governance and recognise its relevance in achieving the success desired. Islam’s universality is a key intrinsic quality towards providing those solutions, while at the same time not seeking to impose a cultural hegemony. Islam recognises racial, linguistic and all other cultural traits being equal before the Creator who instituted those very human attributes. Any superiority across those differences can only be distinguished by piety. It is only when these cultural attributes are established that external affinity with Islam and Muslims can begin. An Islamic system of governance gives due considerations to the cultural facets of each community and their history by locating governance within a cultural context that is indigenous to the community, and thus providing meaning to its socio-political activities , and creating for the community a sense of ownership and belonging to the task of creating a society conducive for the worship of Allah.