The Book of Allah, the scales of justice and the power of enforcement are the ingredients, or
the three basics, of an Islamic state. If any one of these basics is missing, it no more remains
an Islamic State. The basic object of Deen, is described in Surah Al-Hadeed as follows:
(57:25)
"In order to obtain this objective, Allah arranged His Messengers to be sent to different people
with clear signs (proofs); and every Rasool also brought with him a code of laws. They
established 'social orders' on the basis of this code so that the deeds of each person could
produce the exact results and thus induce people to remain steadfast on justice and equity. In
order to provide stability to that social order, Almighty Allah, along with the code of laws,
also sent sword (iron) in which there is great strength. And because this strength is utilised for
the maintenance of a system of justice, as well as for the protection of the oppressed, it
becomes useful for mankind instead of being
harmful. This also brings to light as to who are those faithful people who assist and aid this
Divine System which was established by the Messengers of Allah. Before the successful
results had appeared before them in a visible form, they made all sorts of sacrifices on the
basis of this strong belief that a social order embodying supremacy and strength will most
definitely be achieved by their tireless efforts."
In Surah Al-Noor the aims and objects of an Islamic state (Caliphate) have been introduced
as: (24:55)
"Allah has promised to those among you who profess Eemaan (conviction) and put in
productive efforts that He will, of a surety, grant them inheritance (of power) in the land, this
is Our Immutable Law according to which We had established the earlier nations as well
(28:6); that He will establish in authority their Deen _ the one which He has chosen for them,
so that their rule shall turn this earth into paradise (39:74); and that He will change their
(state) of fear in which they (lived) to one of security and peace, so as to enable them to obey
only His Laws with satisfaction and that they are not forced to associate any other laws with
His Laws and thus ascribe partners unto Him. (But listen attentively that such a system shall
last only as long as these people remain steadfast in obedience to Our Laws). Those who, after
such a rule is established, practically keep themselves away from it and put into practice their
self-made laws instead of the Divine Laws, shall leave the highway that was leading them to
the correct destination and they shall be led astray to other paths and thus shall be deprived of
the benefits of a paradisiacal social order. Such benefits were the result of firm belief and
deeds consistent with the Divine Laws. When belief and the deed consistent with the Divine
Laws remain no more, the benefits shall automatically disappear."
The duty of an Islamic State does not end with the enforcement of laws, but also it brings
about a psychological change in the individuals of the state, so as to create in them an intense
desire to lead a life consistent with the Divine Laws. This objective can be achieved by the
right type of the system of education as well as by the exemplary character of the leaders in
the state. As long as such a change is not brought about amongst the individuals, there shall be
no change in the society. The Holy Quran says: (13:11)
"Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people, until they bring about a change
within their themselves."
This is an eternal verity stated by the Quran.