Islam and Democracy

Known as Islamic democracy, two kinds of democratic states can be recognized in the Islamic countries. The basis of this distinction has to do with how comprehensively Islam is incorporated into the affairs of the state.A democratic state which recognizes Islam as state religion, such as Malaysia, Pakistan, Algeria or Bangladesh. Some religious values are incorporated into public life, but Islam is not the only source of law.A democratic state which endeavours to institute Sharia. It is also called as Islamist democracy.Islamist democracy offers more comprehensive inclusion of Islam into the affairs of the state. Islamist democracy is a highly controversial topic.On democracies with religious law, see Religious democracy.