“Blessed be He in Whose Hand is the dominion; and He is Able to do all things.” (67: 01)
The very essence of an Islamic state is that sovereignty belongs to God.
The sovereignty exercised by a ruler in an Islamic state is a sacred trust bestowed on him by God:
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“Then We appointed you viceroys in the land after them that We might see how you behave.” (10: 14)
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The rulers are to practice and implement the commands of Allah which have been laid down in the Quran.
As all the affairs of an Islamic state must be transacted by counsel, the ruler or political leader of the state is also appointed through consultation:
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“And those who respond to their Lord and keep up prayer, and whose affairs are (decided) by counsel among themselves….” (42: 38)
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Once appointed, the leader has to manage all affairs by consulting those around him. Further, those who give advice are required to do so conscientiously and judiciously, or refrain from giving the same. Also, the view of the majority carries great weight in Islam and the ruler is bound to pay heed to it.
It is important to note that obedience to a leader is contingent on his imposition and enforcement of Islamic principles. Where the ruler deviates from the right path, he is no longer entitled to compliance by the people. In other words, if the government fulfils the requirements imposed by the Quran and the Sunnah, its claim to the allegiance of the people becomes absolute. The Prophet said:
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“A Muslim has to listen to and obey (the order of his ruler), whether he likes it or not, as long as his orders do not involve disobedience (to Allah). But if an act of disobedience (to Allah) is imposed, one should not listen to it or obey it.”
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It also becomes evident that the accountability of the ruler or political leader of an Islamic state is twofold:
- He is answerable to God, as power bestowed on him by God is a sacred trust; and
- To the people who are his subjects.
A leader should exercise wisdom and discernment:
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“He grants Hikmah to whom He wills, and he, to whom Hikmah is granted, is indeed granted abundant good.” (2: 269)
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This is of the essence as he has many a time to take decisions keeping in view not only the need of the time but also its long term effects.
The Treaty of Hudaibiya illustrates the concept of long term benefits. Entered into with the Quraish of Makkah by the Holy Prophet, what prima facie seemed to be tilted in favour of the Quraish was actually beneficial to the Muslims and indeed set the stage for the expansion of Islam to the Arabian peninsula.
A political leader or ruler should have courage. History is replete with stories of ordinary men who became great leaders through show of valour that not everyone can muster.
A political leader must be morally upright and pious. The leader is not only accountable for his actions but also serves as an example to his subjects who more often than not tend to emulate him. The Holy Prophet’s honesty and integrity earned him the titles of Al-Amin (the trustworthy) and Al-Sadiq (the truthful) even before he received the first revelation. The four caliphs who represent the glorious period in Islam also put piety and moral uprightness on a high pedestal in all affairs.
A political leader or ruler is expected to exercise both patience and endurance as he may face trying circumstances. The Prophet and his followers endured brutal opposition from the Quraish of Makkah yet they persevered.
Also, a political leader should be committed to a point where he does not abstain from making personal sacrifices. It has been reported that Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq gave up his own business on becoming the first Caliph. Therefore, he took a small amount from the Bait-ul Maal to support his family. Considering this to be a loan, on his deathbed, he instructed his family to turn over all his possessions to the Bait-ul-Maal.
A political leader in Islam, though elected by consent, can be held accountable if he transgresses the injunctions contained in the Holy Quran and Sunnah.