An Islamic Perspective on Governance

Zafar Iqbal and Mervyn K. Lewis examine, from an Islamic perspective, some central issues in public, economic and corporate governance. Amongst topics analysed are theories of justice, taxation, budget deficits, Islamic financing modes, public and private accountability, and corruption.The authors' starting point is that the Islamic perspective on governance and its differences from Western approaches requires an understanding of the basic tenets, philosophy and legal traditions of Islam. They develop the Islamic position on matters widely acknowledged as being under-researched in Islamic social enquiry, bringing a fresh and contemporary slant to governance issues by drawing insights from modern theory and practice, and combining them with classical and modern Muslim interpretations. Their analysis explicitly acknowledges self-interested behaviour, adding a public choice dimension to the limitations and workability of any governance arrangements.

This unique and highly innovative book will have strong appeal for those with an interest in Islamic economics, public policy, banking, and Asian and Middle Eastern studies.