A Comparative Analysis of Corruption Between Muslim And Western Countries

Abstract

This article is intended to discuss the issue of corruption in Muslim countries as compared to western countries. As well as bribery, corruption also covers nepotism and favouritism. Despite Islamic teachings that forbid corruption it is widespread in countries such as Iraq and Yemen. There are Muslim countries that have anti-corruption legislation, but there are still some that do not. The aim is to examine the factors of corruption in Muslim countries. The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is the main indicator for global corruption. Out of 198 countries, many Muslim countries are found in the bottom 20. Malaysia is ranked 51, which is reasonably good. The issue of corruption with reference to the Quran is examined. The example of corruption in the Ottoman Empire is looked at. The issue of why many Muslim countries are very corrupt is taken note of. There are political, cultural and legal factors at play. The type of political system practiced in various countries may be a factor. Many Muslim countries do not actually practice Islamic norms in relation to corruption. Compared to Muslim countries, many ‘Western’ countries rank well in the CPI. It may be the case that the more democratic the country the less likely it is to be highly corrupt as corrupt officials have more chances of being caught. Democratic ‘Western’ countries often have strict laws regarding funding for political parties. Democratic Muslim countries often do not, such as Malaysia. It must be pointed out that American companies operating in Iraq after the 2003 invasion also engaged in highly corrupt practices. The perception that ‘Western’ countries are less corrupt than Muslim countries often boils down to the fact that they have tougher laws and better enforcement. Muslim countries need to strengthen their governance and update and enforce anti-corruption laws.