Islamic Perspective on Governance

Individual and collective obligations, justice, Itisan (excellence), Shura (consultation), brotherhood and compassion are the cardinal principles of the system of governance in Islam. The theory of governance in Islam is closely linked with the rule of law which, in turn, is related to the concepts of Shura, Ijtihad and Ijma[ (scholarly concensus). However, a large margin is left open to new regulatory efforts which attempt to put the law into practice and adapt it to changing circumstances. Based on a PhD dissertation, written by Zafar Iqbal and supervised by Mervyn K. Lewis, the book under review is an innovative and carefully constructed attempt to set forth a theory of justice, taxation, public finance and accountability, governance and corruption grounded in Islamic teachings.