What is democracy? Democracy is defined as a majority rule. But this definition is not enough to understand democracy. You will have to add these words: Majority rule in secular affairs.

The fact is that democracy is not an absolute theory, rather it is only a practical solution. Democracy is a practical system for a society that comprises people of different religious traditions. In a democratic set -up government institutions can be formed peacefully wherein all religious groups are given full opportunities to observe their religious obligations.

To understand democracy we have to add the element of secularism with it. In present times the democratic system has been based on the principle of secular democracy. Secularism does not provide any philosophy of life in the absolute sense.

Secularism, in actual fact, pertains to worldly affairs. For instance, the establishment of peace, city planning, infrastructure, etc. Secular democracy means that the administration of common worldly matters should be referred to as the democratic process, but, so far as the matter of the observation of religious duties is concerned, people should be given equal rights and full freedom.

This division does not mean reducing the sphere of religion, it rather means giving a starting point to religious people. In a secular democratic system, a religious group finds the opportunity to adopt the principle of “beginning from the possible” and start its peaceful struggle. That is, to achieve whatever is achievable today and for the rest, it may prepare the minds of the people and thus may keep increasing gradually and peacefully its sphere of influence.

Source: The True Face of Islam