These are but a few of the sacred texts that show the obligatory nature of judging with justice and with what God has revealed. This is a general command, equally applicable to the one who governs and the one who is governed. The political power In Islam is bound by God’s Law. There is no obedience due to the government if it requires disobedience to God’s Law. This is the way our pious predecessors acted upon Islamic Law. The political leaders are merely appointed to the affairs of state. The true ruler is God. The Caliph or leader is but one of the Muslims, equal with the others. The Muslims are the ones who select him and place him in authority. They can monitor his activities. He must consult with them. If he violates Islamic Law and acts against the welfare of the people, they can have him removed from office.
In the past, the political leaders of the Muslim state understood the justice – by which the heavens and the Earth are kept right – is the basis for governing in Islam.
Amr b. al-As said: “There is no political leadership without men. There are no men available without wealth. There can be no wealth without a prosperous civilization. Civilization cannot prosper without justice.”
The Caliph Umar b. Abdulaziz wrote to one of his functionaries who sought permission to fortify his city: “Its fortification is achieved through justice and through removing oppression from its streets.”
Saeed B. Suwayd said in one of his addresses in the city of Homs: “O people, Islam has an impenetrable wail with a secure gate. It wall is the truth and its gate is justice. Islam will remain inviolable as long as the political authority is stern. This sternness is not by whip or sword, but by judging with truth and applying justice.”