Democratic ideas have been around since ancient times. Modern liberal democracy was born with the American (1776) and French Revolutions (1789-99). In democratic societies, people govern themselves as opposed to being ruled by a family or a class of people. Change of power is achieved through a process of election rather than the bloody insurrection of the opposition or people.

Islam does not propose a certain unchangeable form of government or attempt to shape it. Instead, Islam establishes fundamental principles that orient a government's general character, leaving it to the people to choose the type and form of government according to time and circumstances. Islam upholds the following fundamental principles of governance and human rights:

1. The right holds the might. A refutation of the common idea and practice that might is right.
2. The government must have the majority approval of people expressed in a free political environment.
3. An advisory or consultative system of administration is essential to ensure that important decisions are discussed and made by a process of consensus.
4. Establishment of social and legal justice within the framework of independent 'rule of law' are essential.
5. No one can be convicted of a crime without evidence, or accused and punished for someone else's crime.
6. Freedom of belief and rights to life, personal property, reproduction, and health (both mental and physical) cannot be violated.
7. The privacy of one's life must be respected and protected.

Furthermore, Islam does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, age, nationality, or physical traits. The Prophet Muhammad said that all people are as equal as the teeth of a comb. He also declared, "You are all from Adam, and Adam is from earth. O servants of God, be brothers (and sisters)." Those who have more wealth and power than others or belong to certain 'noble' families or ethnic groups have no inherent right to rule over others.

Islam considers a society to be composed of conscious individuals equipped with free will who have responsibility toward both themselves and others. Islam goes a step further by adding a cosmic dimension. It sees humanity as the 'motor' of history. Just as every individual's will and behaviour determine the outcome of his or her life in this world and in the hereafter, a society's progress or decline is determined by the will, world view, and lifestyle of its inhabitants (Qur'an, 13:11). Prophet Muhammad said, "You will be ruled according to how you are." This perspective is the basic character and spirit of democracy, which does not conflict with any Islamic principle.