Islamic political culture refers to the interaction between Islamic principles and political practices and policies in predominantly Muslim societies. The concept involves how Islamic values, traditions, and norms influence and shape political dynamics and public policies. The political influence of Islamic culture can be seen in various aspects such as law, governance, education, economics, and international relations.
In many Muslim-majority countries, sharia or Islamic law plays an important role in the legal system and governance. The implementation of sharia can vary significantly between countries; in some countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, sharia forms the basis of the legal system entirely, forming the foundation of all regulations and laws. In others, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, sharia serves as one of the many sources of law used, alongside secular and customary law.
Sharia regulates various aspects of life, from marriage to inheritance to criminal law, all of which have a direct impact on public policy and people's daily lives. For example, in the case of marriage, Sharia determines the procedures and requirements of marriage, as well as the rights and obligations of husband and wife. In terms of inheritance, Sharia establishes detailed rules of property division based on family relationships, which differs from inheritance practices in Western legal systems.
In addition, criminal law in Sharia includes the laws of hudud, qisas, and ta'zir, which govern different types of offenses and punishments. Hududud covers serious offenses such as theft, adultery, and drunkenness, with penalties strictly prescribed by sharia. Qisas deals with the legal equivalent of revenge in cases of murder or physical injury, while ta'zir covers offenses for which the punishment is determined by the judge on a discretionary basis.
The presence of sharia in this legal system also affects the process of legislation, law enforcement, as well as the interpretation of the law by the judiciary. For example, in the legislative process, many Muslim-majority countries consider fatwas from ulama or sharia councils before passing new laws, ensuring that the new laws are by Islamic principles. In law enforcement, institutions such as Sharia courts play an important role in resolving disputes and applying Sharia-based law.
In the context of governance, sharia also influences social and political policies, including issues such as women's rights, religious freedom, and the regulation of public morals. In some countries, the application of sharia can also affect international relations, especially in terms of human rights and international law.
Islamic education plays a highly influential role in shaping individual values and identity in many Muslim-majority countries. Educational institutions such as Islamic madrasas and universities serve as teaching centers that not only focus on religious sciences, but also include science, mathematics, and other general knowledge, all delivered from an Islamic perspective. This holistic approach aims to integrate religious teachings with modern science, creating harmony between faith and rationality.
Madrasahs, which usually start from primary to secondary levels, provide a strong basic education in the Qur'an, hadith, fiqh, and morals, while also teaching general subjects such as languages, math, and natural sciences. At a higher level, Islamic universities such as Al-Azhar University in Egypt or the International Islamic University in Malaysia, offer broad programs including the study of medicine, engineering, law, and economics, with curricula that combine Islamic views and secular sciences.
Islamic education focuses not only on knowledge transfer but also on character and ethical formation. Values such as honesty, justice, and social responsibility are emphasized in every aspect of learning. This helps shape the young generation's way of thinking and worldview, instilling a strong sense of identity rooted in Islamic traditions and values. As such, Islamic education serves as an important mechanism in the socialization of individuals into the wider Muslim community.
The influence of Islamic education also extends to the political sphere. Individuals who have received an education from an Islamic madrasa or university are likely to have political views influenced by Islamic values. They may support policies that are aligned with Sharia principles, such as social justice, community welfare, and upholding public morality. In addition, their understanding of concepts such as leadership, law, and governance is often influenced by Islamic teachings, which emphasize principles such as shura (deliberation), justice, and Sharia-based law enforcement.
Furthermore, Islamic economic principles play an important role in shaping economic policies and business practices in many Muslim-majority countries. These principles, which are based on the teachings of the Qur'an and Hadith, reflect the values of justice, social welfare, and moral responsibility that are at the core of Islamic economics.
One of the key principles in Islamic economics is the prohibition of riba or interest. Usury is considered an unfair exploitation of an individual's financial needs, and therefore, all financial transactions involving interest are prohibited. This prohibition has led to the development of the Islamic banking system, which operates based on sharia principles. Islamic banking uses various financial instruments that are free of interest, such as mudharabah (profit partnership), murabahah (sale with an agreed profit margin), and ijarah (leasing). Islamic banks also focus on ethical investment and social responsibility, ensuring that invested funds are not used for activities prohibited in Islam, such as gambling or alcohol production.
