Perceived Effects of Muslims’ Participation in Democracy in Blantyre, Malawi.

Abstract

The study aimed at analyzing the perceived effects of Muslims’ participation in democracy in Blantyre, Malawi. The research is important in the sense that there has been a gap in knowledge as to what is expected of Muslim politicians and the silence by Muslim scholars on Islam and democracy in Malawi. The study used explanatory research design and mixed research approach was employed. Data for the study was gathered from primary and secondary sources. The primary data was obtained by questionnaire and interviews. The survey was conducted from Muslim lecturers, teachers, Sheikhs, Imaams, students, businessmen and politicians and random sampling was employed. The secondary data was collected from working papers, reports and journals. Data was analysed with descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution and percentages through statistical tool of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20. In addition, the data was presented in tables. The study tried to respond the questions on factors that affect Muslims participation in the country's democracy, perceived effects of Muslims' participation in democracy and constraints of Muslims to participation in the country's democracy. The findings of this study shows that the Muslims participating in democracy in Malawi are doing less to protect Islam and Muslims whenever there are issues that requires their attention. It further established that the intention of Malawi Muslim politicians joining politics, is not to serve Islam however, Muslims do expect a lot from them as their brothers hence the anger when situations that requires their hand happens and no reaction from them. The study has revealed the knowledge gap with most Muslims and politicians on what Islam says on governance. The fact that Allah commanded that ruling of the state should be by the text (Allah revealed laws) surprisingly it less known by most as a result the practicing of democracy is not considered as something being done out necessity according some scholars. This paper recommended that the need by Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) in providing awareness through the Ulama Council of Malawi to Muslim politicians and general Muslims the essentials of Islamic governance and there should be a good communication between Muslim politicians (including those aspiring to become politicians) and MAM to ensure that there is a good coordination and guidance as to how Muslims can be operating as both Muslims and politicians. TABLE OF CONTENT