Abstract

Objectives: The present study aims to examine the political rights of non-Muslims in countries of Muslim majorities, pointing out these rights along with their roots in Sharia and then comparing them with what is found in the Palestinian political system. The study, as such, is comprised of an introduction, three sections and a conclusion. The introduction clarifies the term 'non-Muslims' while the first ensuing section elaborates on the participation of non-Muslims in both the executive and judicial authorities. The second, respectively, elaborates on the participation of non-Muslims in the legislative authority while the third sheds light on the formation of political parties. Methodology: For the examination of the topic at hand, the researchers used the descriptive method while borrowing from both the deductive and inductive methods. Conclusions: The present study concludes with the following findings, most important of which being that, first, Islam preceded contemporary political systems in guaranteeing the political rights of non-Muslims. Second, experts of Fiqh have two opinions on the legitimacy of non-Muslims' candidacy: prohibition and permissibility; however, both researchers lean toward permissibility, the second opinion. Finally, the opinions of Fiqh experts vary concerning the participation of non-Muslims in elections: prohibition and permissibility being the two opinions; however, both researchers incline toward permissibility as long as such participation does not change the nature of the society concerned. The researchers recommend the study of political matters within the boundaries of Islamic political Fiqh and exposing them to the public and encouraging researchers to discuss relevant contemporary issues.