Basic HTML Version
democracy in its popular sense. It is something different from all that. To appreciate
the political outlook of Islam one has only to know that it is based on the following
principles:
1. Every deed of the Muslim individual or group of individuals must be inspired and
guided by the Law of God, the Qur’ an, which is the constitution chosen by God for
His true servants. And if any do fail to judge (or rule) according to what God has
revealed, they are the unbelievers . . . they are the wrong-doers . . . they are the rebels
(5:47-50). Verily this Qur’ an does guide to that which is most right and best (17:9)
2. The sovereignty in the Islamic State does not belong to the ruler nor even to the
people themselves. It belongs to God, and the people as a whole exercise it by trust
from Him to enforce His law and enact His will. The ruler, any ruler, is only an acting
executive chosen by the people to serve them according to the Law of God. This is the
foundation of the Islamic State and is only consistent with the general outlook of
Islam on the universe of which God is the creator and in which He is the Sole
Sovereign. In the Qur’ an, one comes across statements like these: Authority, power
and sovereignty belong to none but God, or Blessed be He in Whose hands is
dominion, and He over all things has power (Qur’ an, 67:1), or Verily God does
command you to render back your trusts to those to whom they are due; and when you
judge (or rule) between people that you judge with justice. Verily how excellent is the
teaching which He gives you! (4:58) or And to God belongs the dominion of the
heavens and the earth, and all that is between, and unto Him is the final goal (of all)
(5:20)
3. The aim of the Islamic State is to administer justice and provide security and
protection for all citizens, regardless of color or race or creed, in conformity with the
stipulations of God in His constitution, the Qur’ an. The question of religious or racial
minorities does not arise so long as they are law-abiding and peaceful citizens. The
Qur’ an says:
O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let
not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be
just: that is most close to piety, and mind God for God is well-acquainted with all that
you do (5:9; cf. 4:135)
Verily God will defend those who believe, - - - - , those who, if We establish them in
the Land, establish regular prayers and give regular charity, enjoin the right and forbid
the wrong. With God rests the end (and decision) of all affairs (22:38-41)
4. Formed for the above-mentioned purposes and established to enforce the Law of
God, the Islamic State cannot be controlled by any political party of a non-Islamic
platform or subjected to foreign powers. It has to be independent to exercise its due
authority on behalf of God and in His cause. This originates from the principle that a
Muslim is one who submits to God alone and pledges loyalty to His Law, offering
utmost cooperation and support to those who administer the Law and observe its
stipulations. It is incompatible with Islam, therefore, for a Muslim nation to pledge
support to any political party of a non-Islamic platform or to yield to a non-Islamic
government of alien origins and aims. And never will God grant to the Unbelievers a
way (to triumph or rule) over the Believers (4:141). The answer of the Believers,
when summoned to God and His Messenger, in order that He may judge (or rule)
between them, is no other than this: they say ‘We hear and we obey’ - - - - God has
98
www.islamicbulletin.com