THEO-DEMOCRACY: Al-Maududi’s Vision Of Islamic Governance In The Modern Era

Abstract

This paper explores Abul A‘la Al-Maududi’s concept of Theo-Democracy as a distinctive model of Islamic governance that seeks to reconcile divine sovereignty with participatory political processes. Unlike Western liberal democracies, which prioritize popular sovereignty, Maududi asserts that ultimate authority resides solely with Allah. Within this framework, human beings function not as sovereign rulers but as trustees tasked with implementing divine law through mechanisms such as shūrā (mutual consultation). The study critically examines the philosophical foundations, institutional structures, and functional dynamics of Maududi’s theo-democratic vision. It further investigates the practical challenges and prospects of applying this model in contemporary Muslim-majority societies, where pluralism and complex political landscapes pose significant hurdles. Employing a descriptive-analytical methodology grounded in Maududi’s primary texts, the paper contributes to the broader discourse on Islamic political thought and assesses the contemporary relevance of theo-democracy as a normative framework for governance.