Good Governance in Western and Islāmic Traditions: A Comparative Study

Abstract

The issue of effective governance stands as an enduring and global concern, and international organizations play a vital role in assisting nations in reforming their bureaucracies and public services while championing the cause of sound governance. The application and evolution of principles underpinning good governance hold paramount significance for both countries and organizations, serving as the bedrock for proficient leadership and administration. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that enhancing the efficacy of good governance requires more than just the mere establishment of structures and regulations. This study seeks to juxtapose Western concepts of good governance with those of Islāmic governance, aiming to identify commonalities and distinctions. By doing so, it aspires to furnish practitioners and policymakers with insights into cross-cultural learning and the formulation of inclusive governance frameworks, with a particular emphasis on those advocated by UNESCAP. The research methodology employed in this article relied on a library-based approach, incorporating references from the Holy Qur’an, Hadith, significant literary works, and web sources. Data were meticulously gathered and analysed through a narrative qualitative method. In conclusion, the tradition of Islāmic governance is characterized by principles such as Sharīʽah, Itqān (precision), tawazun (balance), ta’awun (collaboration), ‘adl (justice), bayān (transparency), Shūrā (consultation), and mas’uliyah (accountability), as well as at-Tabāyun (explanation). This scholarly investigation aims to explore the parallels and disparities in the classification and comprehension of attributes associated with good governance between Western perspectives and Islāmic governance principles. The primary focus of this study centers on the examination of governance perceptions and models within Western and Islāmic contexts.