Important Quote by Bernard Lewis
“You see in the Muslim traditions, it's very clear: maintaining law and consultation, not being arbitrary and oppressive. Consultation. And also in the Muslim tradition, the power comes from within the group. I think that's very important.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Lecture on Islamic governance, 1995
Islamic tradition values law and consultation, emphasizing collective decision‑making and internal authority rather than arbitrary rule.
In simple terms: Islamic law stresses consultation and group‑based power.
Key Takeaway
Promote inclusive decision‑making structures.
Themes
governance
consultation
collective power
Mood
analytical
instructive
Type
theoretical
political
When to use this quote
- political forums
- community councils
- policy development
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
Islamic law
shura
community leadership
Questions to Reflect On
- How can consultation be effectively integrated today?
- What obstacles arise when power is group‑based?
A Different Perspective
Implementation can be challenged by modern political complexities.
![“Different groups in the [Middle East] drew two lessons from [return of the shah in Iran] - one, that Americans were willing to use both force and intrigue to install or restore their puppet rulers in Middle Eastern countries; the other, that they were not reliable patrons when these puppets were…” quote by Bernard Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/89b/bernard-lewis-11653_middle-east_different-groups-in-the-middle-east-drew_37501.jpg)
