Islamic Governance

An Islamic Perspective

on Governance

Zafar Iqbal, National University of Computer

and Emerging Sciences, Pakistan and

Mervyn K. Lewis, University of South Australia

and Academy of the Social

Sciences in Australia

‘The authors have undertaken innovative research to examine the Islamic and contemporary

western concepts, institutions, processes and traditions about governance: public, corporate,

fnancial and fscal. This study breathes fresh air into the debate on some of the critical issues

of positive economics by exploring new linkages of governance with normative goals, ethical

frameworks and egalitarian policy initiatives.’

– Khurshid Ahmad, Member Senate of Pakistan

‘This book is a major contribution to governance under an Islamic System; thoroughly researched,

very clearly written and organised, it is an extremely signifcant contribution particularly in the

context of current turmoil in fnancial markets and the possible means of assisting fnancial and economic stabilisation from an

Islamic perspective.’

– John Presley, Loughborough University, UK and

Recipient of the 2002 Islamic Development Bank prize in Islamic Finance

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 defcits, Islamic fnancing 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.

Contents: Preface 1. Perspectives on Governance 2. The Methodology of Islamic Economics 3. Justice: The Inner Core of Governance 4. An Islamic

Perspective on Taxation 5. Problems of Implementing Taxation in Islamic Countries 6. Islamic Position on Budget Defcits 7. Financing Methods for

Government Bodies 8. Accountability and Governance 9. Governance and Corruption 10. Conclusion References Index

2009 384 pp Hardback 978 1 84720 138 6 £85.00