Islam 102

Lesson 4: Quran and Islamic Society

Politics

Politics is the science of forming and administering the government of a state. Governments are run by rulers. Islam believes that the complete power and sovereignty of the entire universe is possessed by the absolute and exclusive supremacy of Allah (God). He has the control over the sources of powers in this universe. Man, though quite powerful, has to submit to Allah (God) because He is the ultimate King and ruler of all what is in the Heavens and Earth. (AL-Buqarah 2: 255)

In many ways, man is a viceregent of Allah on earth, his duty is to fulfill his master’s (God’s commands) taught to him through the prophet. Quran says

“Accept what the messenger of Allah gives and keep away from what He forbids.” (Hashr 59:7)

Islam’s concept relating to the demarcation of territories and limits is different. It believes the land belongs to the Almighty; He is the owner of all the lands on earth and the rulers are the mere servants of Allah, who serve and obey His commands. They must follow His rules and laws mentioned in His Divine Book

“Surely the land is Allah’s. He gives it for inheritance to such of His servants as He pleases.” (Aaraf 7:128)

“Allah is the owner of the kingdom and He gives it to whom He pleases and takes away from whom He pleases.” (Al- Imran 3:25)

The purpose of Government enjoined by Quran is very noble. Quran orders the rulers to keep up prayers, pay zakat to the destitute, to enjoin good, and forbid evil. Apart from this, Quran emphasizes doing justice and maintaining peace, law and order in the state. Islam is not committed either to capitalism or socialism. In capitalism an individual is geared towards self interest rather than the welfare of his fellowmen, disregarding ethical or spiritual consideration. Extreme economic greed prevails under the umbrella of capitalism.

In communism there is a constant conflict between the middle-class and working-class. It fails to provide incentives to individual’s creativity. It is non-productive. It lowers the efficiency and is not at all conducive to the creation of wealth itself. It only believes in have-nots, resulting in the immoral practice of gaining wealth.

Communism and capitalism both go against the divine laws of God. Islam is the natural religion and is designed for mankind by God such that it meets their ethical, economic, social and political requirements.

Caliphate – The form of Government by Quran:

In Islam , the government formulated by Quran is the caliphate, which is neither a monarchy nor a democracy. The caliphate is based upon the will of God, the caliph being the ruler who is the servant of Allah. His duty is to enforce the law of Allah. Quran says:

“Believers decide their affairs by counsel among themselves.” (AL Shurah 42:38)

The Muslims decide some specific matters by uniting in opinion through consensus of the Islamic community. This is called Ijma, which is always done in the light of Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet. The appointment of the caliph is made through the mutual consultation of experienced, wise and knowledgeable men who are equally well known for their piety. The appointment of the caliph can be done through elections or nomination. The first caliphs of Islam were Abu Bakr, Umer Farooq , Usman and Ali (May Allah be pleased with them) who laid the foundation of the caliphate and enforced the will of Allah on earth.

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