Hazrat Ali’s regard for Knowledge June 26, 2008
Posted by ismailimail in Democracy, Imam Ali, Imam's Speech, knowledge.2 comments
“I cite Hazrat Ali’s words so that you may understand the spirit in which I have attempted to fulfill the mandate left to me as the 49th hereditary [Ismaili] Imam after the death of my grandfather. I quote, “No belief is like modesty and patience, no attainment is like humility, no honour is like knowledge, no power is like forbearance, and no support is more reliable than consultation”. Hazrat Ali’s regard for knowledge reinforces the compatibility of faith and the world. And his respect for consultation is, in my view, a commitment to tolerant and open-hearted democratic processes.”
Extract from the Speech made by His Highness the Aga Khan
at the Tutzing Evangelical Academy in Germany,
upon receiving the Tolerance Award, May 20, 2006
Ethics of Islam in modern state June 4, 2008
Posted by ismailimail in Democracy, Ethics of Islam, islam.add a comment
“But I think the more over-riding issue is the issue of theocracy versus secular state, and I think that at this point in time, the vast majority of countries within the Muslim world have recognized the difficulty of a theocratic state, and these difficulties are due to many different forces in these countries. But also, the pluralism within Islam. Because if you create a theocratic state, automatically you are saying there must be an interpretation which is the state interpretation of the faith…..What we are talking about are states that want to have modern forms of government but where the ethics of Islam remain the premises on which civil society is built. And I think that’s where we see this — to me very exciting — effort to maintain the ethics of Islam, but in a modern state. And I think when we’re talking about the ethics of Islam, it’s easier to have civil society institutions built on the ethics of the faith, than a theocratic state in the full form.”
His Highness the Aga Khan, interview with The Globe and Mail, January 30, 2002
Principles that go back 1400 years May 4, 2008
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“Sometimes I read that Islam is in conflict with democracy. Yet I must tell you that as a Muslim, I am a democrat not because of Greek or French thought, but primarily because of principles that go back 1400 years, directly after the death of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).
At that time, Muslims debated how best to implement the premises he had established for being qualified for leadership. The principle of wide public consultation for selecting leadership for matters relating to affairs of state and civil administration was adopted by groups that coalesced into the Sunni branch. The parallel principle of hereditary leadership was preserved among the Shia. Muslims of the time also established that leadership in social governance was to be selected on the basis of merit and competence. These principles, cemented 14 centuries ago, are consistent with democratic models that exist around the world today.”
His Highness the Aga Khan - Annual Conference of German Ambassadors Berlin, Germany September 6, 2004
Democracy February 23, 2008
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In countries where I am directly involved, the 21st century has already experienced at least a half-dozen constitutional crises. The sad fact – hard to swallow and difficult to deny – is that nearly forty percent of UN member nations are now categorized not merely as failed states – but as “failed democracies.”Our central challenge in this new century – as leaders and future leaders of our world – is to renew the democratic promise. The saving grace which democratic systems are most likely to possess, after all, is that they are self-correcting. A system of public accountability still provides the best hope for change without violence. And that virtue alone redeems the entire concept. It explains Churchill’s famous view that democracy is the worst form of government, except for all others.Our challenge is not to find alternatives to democracy, but to find more and better ways to make democracy work. In responding to that challenge today, I would like to make four observations – four suggestions for addressing our democratic disappointments and advancing our democratic hopes.
My comments involve, first, the need for greater flexibility in defining the paths to democracy; secondly, the need for greater diversity in the institutions which participate in democratic life; thirdly, the need to expand the public’s capacity for democracy; and finally, the need to strengthen public integrity– on which democracy rests. Let me say a few words about each.
Address by His Highness the Aga Khan to the School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University - May 15, 2006
