The early rule under the shades of the Islamic sword was not as "golden" as Islamic historians attempt to portray it. There are enough modern day examples to show how the tyrannical methods of Islam must have been imposed upon earlier civilizations. This is seen throughout Arab regimes whose governments and laws are fundamentally based upon the Qur'an and jurisprudence of Shari'a law. Arab citizens beneath the heirarchy of the Arab elite continue to live in constant fear of offending their religious leaders who claim that Allah is merciful and benevolent. Muslim women are still regarded as second-class citizens and the conversion of a Muslim to another religious faith is still punishable by death. Men and women must abide by strict dress codes and their social conduct is under constant scrutiny. Paradise is still "guaranteed" for the Muslim who dies as a martyr by engaging in suicide murders specifically against Jews and Christians - all for the cause of Islam.

 

Muslims do not have the freedom to partake in a redress of government by voting for laws that could possibly turn out to be contrary to the established rulings based upon the Qur'an. Therefore, a Western form of Democracy contradicts Islam altogether and could never be accepted by hardline fundamental clerics nor would the constitutions of Arab nations permit another form of government to take control apart from one that is based upon Islam. Any Muslim citizen who attempts to express a differing view is considered a traitor to Islam, an embarassment to their family and could likely end up in prison or executed for his/her opinion.