ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the major hindrances towards political modernisation in Muslim societies. The prophet Mohammed is given a dominant role in Islam that the so-called successor problem presents itself with a vengeance. Politics von oben has always characterised the Muslim countries. Hierarchical domination is not conducive to rule of law and representative institutions. Von unten things look equally dismal for the values of post-modernity, namely toleration, heterogeneity and multiculturalism. It is often maintained that Islam does not know this tolerance of heterogeneity, or that it refuses to recognise it. Politics in Islam is extremely focused upon leadership. It is as if there can only be one leader of the country.
