Divine Sovereignty (al-ḥākimiyyah) and Consultative Governance (shūrā) in Tafhīm al-Qurʾān

Abstract

This article examines Sayyid Abul Aʿlā Mawdūdī’s interpretation of divine sovereignty (al-ḥākimiyyah) and consultation (shūrā) as articulated in his Qurʾānic exegesis Tafhīm al-Qurʾān. Contrary to portrayals that frame Mawdūdī’s political theology as inherently authoritarian, the article argues that Tafhīm presents a participatory model of governance grounded in collective deliberation and moral accountability.[1] By situating Mawdūdī’s exegetical arguments within existing scholarship on Islamic political thought, the study demonstrates how Tafhīm deepens and qualifies earlier debates on sovereignty, democracy, and popular participation.[2] Methodologically, the article relies on close textual analysis of Qurʾānic verses and their interpretation in Tafhīm, showing how divine sovereignty and consultative decision-making are conceptually interlinked in Mawdūdī’s thought.[3]

Keywords: Sayyid Mawdūdī - ḥākimiyyah - shūrā; Islamic governance - Divine Sovereignty - Consultation

Introduction

Sayyid Abul Aʿlā Mawdūdī (1903–1979) occupies a central place in modern Islamic political thought. His concept of divine sovereignty (al-ḥākimiyyah) has been widely discussed—often critically—in relation to democracy and popular rule.[4] Much of this discussion, however, has relied primarily on Mawdūdī’s political writings rather than his Qurʾānic exegesis.[5]

This article argues that such an approach risks neglecting the theological roots of Mawdūdī’s political ideas. Focusing on Tafhīm al-Qurʾān, Mawdūdī’s multi-volume Qurʾānic commentary, this study claims that his view of sovereignty is closely linked to the principle of consultation (shūrā). Rather than dismissing participation, divine sovereignty establishes the ethical framework within which collective decision-making operates.[6] By foregrounding Tafhīm, the article contributes to a more balanced understanding of Mawdūdī’s political theology and responds directly to gaps identified in recent scholarship.[7]