Originally Posted by Roshan wadhwani

Political System Of Islam:

Outline:

• Introduction
• What Is An Islamic State?
• Purpose Of Islamic State:
• Basis Of Political System In Islam
• Main Features Of Islamic Political System
i) Sovereignty Of Allah
ii) Khalifah Of Mankind
iii) Legislation By Shura
iv) Accountability Of A Government
v) Independence Of Judiciary
vi) Equality Before Law


Introduction:

Religion and politics are one and same in Islam. They are intertwined. We already know that Islam is a complete system of life and politics is very much a part of our collective life. Just as Islam teaches us how to say Salt,(it must be salawat) observe Saum(having fast), pay Zakat and undertake Hajj, in the same way it also teaches us how to run a state, form a government, elect councillors and members of parliament, make treaties and conduct trade and business.

What Is An Islamic State?

The State is defined by Garner in these words, “The state, as a concept of political science and public law, is a community of persons more or less numerous and permanently occupying by a definite proportion of territory, independent, or nearly so of external control, and possessing an organized government to which the general body of inhabitants render habitual obedience.” Whereas in the Islamic State sovereignty rests with God who delegates political authority to some selected person. Here public law is the Quranic law. The Islamic State cannot frame any laws against the injunctions of the Quran and the Sunnah. Islamic State is a welfare State.

Purpose Of Islamic State:

The main object of the Islamic State is to promote good and stop the evils. The Muslims should be forced to act upon the injunctions of the Quran and the Sunnah. The Islamic state guides its citizens in all aspects of life including religious. It should promote good and order so that the law of justice by God must prevail everywhere.

Basis Of Political System In Islam:

The political system is based on two realities:
i) The personal position of Allah vis-à-vis this universe, particularly men: He is not only their Creator and Supporter but also their real Master.
ii) The personal position of Man: He is not only created and supported by Allah (Sustainer of all the worlds) but is also His humble slave and His vicegerent on this earth.


Principles Of Islamic Political System:

The Islamic Political system is based on the following principles:

i) Sovereignty Of Allah.

Sovereignty means source of power. In Islam, Allah is the source of all powers and laws.

“Legislation is not but for Allah. He has commanded that you worship not except Him.”

(Surah Yusuf: 40)

Say, “Indeed, the matter completely belongs to Allah.”

(Al-i-Imran: 154)

It is Allah who knows what is good and what is bad for His servants. His saying is final. All human beings unitedly cannot change His laws. The Quran says:

“As for the thief-male and female-chop off their hands. It is their reward of their action and exemplary punishment from Allah. Allah is Powerful, Wise.”
(Al-Ma’ida: 38)

According to Islam, this order is unchangeable by any parliament or government which claims it to be an Islamic state. There are many more laws in the Quran concerning our life and those laws must be put into practice by an Islamic state for the greater good of human beings.

ii) Khalifah Of Mankind (Vicegerency Of Man):

Man is the vicegerent or the agent or the representative of Allah on earth.

“And it is He who has made you successors upon the earth and has raised some of you above others in degrees [of rank] that He may try you through what He has given you. Indeed, your Lord is swift in penalty; but indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful.”

(Al-An’am: 165)

Allah is the sovereign and man is his representative. Man should do as Allah commands him to do. But he has a choice either to obey or disobey Allah and because of this freedom of choice he will be tested on the Day of Judgement. In the political sense, Khalifah means that human beings would implement the will of Allah on earth as His deputy or agent. As Allah’s agent human beings will carry out the will of Allah on His behalf as a trust (Amanah). Khalifah is a trust. An agent is always expected to behave as his master wants him to behave.

“Then We made you successors in the land after them so that We may observe how you will do.”
(Yunus: 14)

iii) Legislation By Shura (Consultation):

Islam teaches us to run government to make decisions and legislations by the process of Shura. Shura means to take decision by consultation and participation.

“And whose affair is [determined by] consultation among themselves.”

(Ash-Shura: 38)

This is one of the most important parts of the Islamic Political system. There is no scope of disposition in Islamic political system. The Quran and the Sunnah will be the basis of all legislation in Islam.

iv) Accountability Of A Government:

The Islamic Political System makes the ruler and the government responsible firstly to Allah and then to people. The ruler and the government will be elected by the people to exercise power on their behalf. We must remember here that both the ruler and the ruled are the Khalifah of Allah and the ruler shall have to work for the welfare of the people according to the Quran and Sunnah. A ruler is a servant of the people of Islam. Bothe the ruler and the ruled will appear before Allah and account for their actions on the Day of Judgement. The responsibility of the ruler is heavier than the ruled. An ordinary citizen in an Islamic State has the right to ask any question on any matter to the ruler and the government.

v) Independence Of Judiciary:

In the Islamic Political System, the judiciary is independent of the Executive. The head of the State or any government minister could be called to court if necessary. They will be treated no different from other citizens.

“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice.”
(Al-Ma’ida: 8)

“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both.”
(An-Nisa: 135)

“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice.”
(An-Nisa: 58)

There are many Quranic injunctions about justice. One of the main functions of the Islamic system is to ensure justice to all citizens. The ruler and the government have no right to interfere in the process of justice.

vi) Equality Before Law:


The Islamic Political System ensures equality of all citizens before the law. Islam does not recognize any discrimination on the basis of language, colour, territory, sex and descent. Islam recognizes the preference of one over the other only on the basis of Taqwa. One who fears Allah most is the noblest in Islam.

“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.”
(Al-Hujurat:13)

Originally Posted by Roshan wadhwani

Islamic Social System:

Outline:

• Introduction
• Islamic Mode Of Life
• Basis Of Islamic Society
i) Equality
ii) Fraternity
iii) Wedding Bond
iv) Welfare Environment
v) Concept Of Responsibility
• Rules And Regulations Of Islamic Society
i) Mutual Relationship Of Members Of Family
ii) Relationship
iii) Mosque
iv) Respected Traditions
v) Education System
vi) Limits And Legal Codes


Introduction:

Man is a social animal. His nature is always inclined to love that’s why he likes to live collectively with other people. He is helpless in this regard forever. God has given man wisdom and intellect only to live within a society. When a man is born he always looks forward to people who look after him. When he comes to an age he stands in need of necessities of life. He always remains in need of someone or something and if h is cut off from all these things he will be totally for nothing.

Islamic Mode Of Life:

Islam has its own stable and firm mode of life which has certain and regulations. It has full code for justice on equal lines. Society is a name of united people thus Islam never ignores the basic rights of an individual as well as of a group. Islam looks all the individuals and groups form same angle.

Islam is a religion which favours the separate identity of an individual. It never considers a man only a spare of any system but considers an individual an important part of it. for the perfect training of an individual within a society Islam provides full chance to furnish his talents:

The Holy Quran says;

“Whoso doth good it is for his soul, and whoso doth wrong it is against it.”
(Fussilat: 46)

Islam lays great emphasis upon the acquisition of knowledge. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was particularly taught a Quranic verse:

“And Say, My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.”
(Ta-Ha: 114)

And the Holy Prophet (PBUH) himself said: It is the duty of every Muslim man and woman to acquire knowledge.

The acquisition of knowledge is mainly for reformation of practical life. That’s why Islam ha stressed for the quest of knowledge. Quran in this regard openly says:

“And that man hath only that for which he maketh effort.”
(An-Najm: 39)

Islam sees Muslim Ummah as the central Ummah or an Ummah for God, therefore, every person is responsible for continuous struggle for the solidarity of religion and for the sacrifice of his life for the sake of the propaganda of religion.

The environment of Islamic society also provides a chance for the betterment of the world hereafter.

Basis Of Islamic society:


i) Equality:

The first and most important basis of Islamic society is that all the human beings are from same pedigree. All the mankind is the children of Adam (RA). Brotherhood, colour, countries, forefathers, language, tribes and other natural things are only for the sake of introduction with each other. But to make these differences the basis of differences between each other is totally wrong. Because Islam preaches unity and equality among the mankind at all levels. In the Quran, it is said:

“O’ mankind! Lo! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes, so that ye may know one another. Lo! The noblest among you, in the sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. Lo! Is knower and Aware.”
(Al-Hujurat: 13)

ii) Fraternity:

All the Muslims are brothers for each other. The relation due to religion is considered to be the greatest of all. Quran says:

“The believers are not else brothers.”
(Al-Hujurat: 10)

At another place in the Quran it is said:

“And holdfast, all of you together, to the cable of Allah, and do not separate.”

(Al-Imran: 103)

iii) Wedding Bond:

Men and women are two different pillars of a society. Both have their own cult and personality. Both take part in building of social set-up. There is equality between men and women on the legal basis. Both have same rights and responsibilities in this regard. In a family structure, male is considered leader and supervisor of the affairs. Generally every man and woman is just like brother and sister and they have no right to be but wedding is the only way through which they get united and share each other’s problems. This is the very legal method by which they are valid for each other. Here they lay the basis of a separate family.

iv) Welfare Atmosphere:

The atmosphere of the society must be developed on the basis of welfare, cooperation, help, and share in sorrows, sacrifice and brotherhood. When the people meet they must pray for eachother’s salvation. Every man must wish for his brother hat he likes for himself. All the evils must be avoided. Cooperation must be rendered in good deeds. Quran says:

“Help ye one another unto righteousness and pious duty. Help not one another unto sin and transgression.”
(Al-Ma’ida: 2)

“Be thou kind even as Allah hath been kind to thee, and seek not corruption in the earth.”
(Al-Qasas: 77)

Moreover, the Quran says:

“And spy not, neither backbite one another.”
(Al-Hujurat: 12)

All these verses mean that Islam wants to make society congenial for everyone.


v) Concept Of Responsibility:

Islam gives the concept of fulfilling some responsibilities-to propagate good deeds, to deter evil deeds and to help each other.


The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said that the man who lives among others and shows patience on the misdeeds done to him by others is better than the man who does not live among the people and is not patient over excesses done to him.

After these instructions Islam has also given a system of basic human rights including rights of brothers, family members, relatives, neighbours, common men, and minorities. Even the rights of animals and plants are also determined in Islamic system.

Rules And Regulations Of Islamic Society:

There are some rules and regulations which Islam has authorized to develop a society of these are discussed briefly as under:

i) Mutual Relationship Of Members Of Family:

Family is the first and basic institution of human social training. That’s why the importance of a family in Islamic society is very great. First step of Islamic society is the formation of which is a pure and legitimate relation between a man and woman. This relation makes a unity within itself.

Here a new generation comes into being with it many new relations are also generated. Finally all these relations spread over to form a complete society.

ii) Other Relations:

There are much more in the family stock to deal with Kith and Kin outside one’s family. Islam wants to see all these to share eachother’s sorrows and happiness. In Quran there are many places where emphasis is laid upon good behaviour towards relatives. But it does not mean that there should be encouragement against Islam and its traditions. Islam has also set hereditary rules to strengthen existing relations.

iii) Mosque:

Mosque is symbol of unity among Muslims and it reflects the tone of existing relations. It also works as a permanent institution for the social tis. It is only mosque which can make Islamic social plan successful.

iv) Respected Traditions:

In an Islamic society sacred traditions must be guarded at all costs and the policy must also be framed upon these lines because this process does not break link with its past. But it is not meant for that no new tradition will be set up. Fast changes in routine life automatically change the boring old traditions. There is no need of change via revolution or revolt.

v) Education System:

The real reformation of an Islamic society is only possible through its education policy. Because to transfer one’s traditions and knowledge one must ponder over the faults of one’s education policy. Education is also one of the greatest pillars of Islamic society.

vi) Limits And Legal Codes:

There are many ways to cope with the evils and sins of any society but rules and regulation to curb evil-doers are also must. Islam also has such system with proper rules and regulations. These rules are made to save the citizens from evil-doers and sinners. Islam has set particular penalties and punishments to deal bad elements with an iron hand. No one is greater or smaller in the eyes of Islamic law. The Holy Prophet once said,

“If my daughter steals something, by God I will cut her hands too.”