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