Skip to content
quotesby

The Islamic order can only be established in countries where Muslims represent the majority of the population. If this is not the case, the Islamic order is reduced to mere power (as the other element - an Islamic society - is missing) and may turn to violence. The non-Muslim minorities within an Islamic state, on condition that they are loyal, enjoy religious freedom and all protection. - ibid., p. 49

Alija Izetbegovic#14

GovernanceMajority

About this quote

What does it mean?
An Islamic state requires a Muslim majority to function properly; without it, it risks becoming merely coercive. Non-Muslim minorities are protected if they remain loyal.
In plain terms
Islam needs a majority Muslim population to work without force, but loyal minorities are safe.
What can you take from it?
Majority support is essential for an Islamic order to avoid violence.

Where it applies

  • forming new states
  • policy debates
  • theological discussions

Putting it to work

  • analyzing political systems
  • debating statehood
  • studying governance

Questions to consider

  • How do minorities fare in non-majority Islamic states?
  • Is a majority always necessary for stability?

Another view

It assumes political systems depend solely on demographic majorities.

More from Alija Izetbegovic

  1. In the struggles for the Islamic order, all means are permissible except one: crime. No one has the right to defile the good name of Islam by the uncontrolled …

    Permalink to quote #13
  2. When considering these matters, the dilemma inevitably arises - albeit only for a moment - that a shorter way to the Islamic order would be by taking power... …

    Permalink to quote #15
  3. Islam must take the initiative of recognizing motherhood as a social function. Harems must be abolished. No one has the right to refer to Islam as a reason to …

    Permalink to quote #12

Related quotes

  1. In the Islamic Republic the rights of the religious minorities are respectfully regarded.

    Ruhollah KhomeiniRuhollah Khomeini quote #2
  2. To speak practically and as a citizen, unlike those who call themselves no-government men, I ask for, not at once no government, but at once a better governmen…

    Henry David ThoreauHenry David Thoreau quote #52
  3. 'Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.' At the hazard of being thought one of the fools of this quotation, I meet that argument - I rush in - I take that b…

    Abraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln quote #63