Whistleblowing As Islamic Imperative, An Epistemological Approach In Empowering Muslim Civil Society Towards Good Governance

Abstract

The increasing acts of genuine whistleblowing, which we witness today globally, reflects courageous acts of the few who have stood up against the establishment to expose the wrong doings of individuals in public office and the gross abuse of public funds are exemplary acts of piety in the pursuit of good governance to attain the well being of the society. This act of nobility unfortunately, often viewed by some Muslims, especially those in power, as part of Western products that is strange and alien to Muslims’ political culture. This paper aims to apply the deductive analogies based on sound evidence from authentic religious texts, to illustrate the nobility and righteousness of genuine acts of whistleblowing to encourage and promote competency, accountability and transparency in our societies. This research too will try to prove that modern day whistleblowing is part and parcel of a comprehensive scheme of good governance to achieve the highest goal of Islamic polity to ensure justice with fairness and mercy within the parameters of Maqasid al-Shariah.