Seeking Islamic governance is a religious duty and obligation

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu.

Dear friends, I hope you are all well, and I am also well and healthy with your prayers and the endless mercy of Allah Almighty.

Seeking Islamic governance is a religious duty and obligation

Islam is not just a religion, but a complete system of life. It does not only give people guidance in worship, conduct or personal morality; rather, it provides guidance in all areas of life, including society, economy, politics, justice, education, and family. Islamic governance or the Islamic state system is not just a political structure, but a complete system for managing human life according to the provisions given by Allah. Therefore, establishing an Islamic governance is not just a social or political demand for Muslims; rather, it is a religious duty and an obligatory duty.

What is Islamic governance?

Islamic governance refers to a state system where laws are formulated and implemented according to the Book of Allah, the Quran, and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Here, not man-made laws, but the command of Allah is the supreme law. In this system, the ruler and the ruled are equally subject to the law of Allah. The basic principles of the state are—

Sovereignty of Allah

Rule of Sharia

Establishment of justice and rights of people

Freedom from exploitation, oppression, and injustice

Necessity of Islamic governance

1. Obeying the command of Allah:

In the Quran, Allah the Almighty says—

“And those who do not judge by what Allah has revealed, they are disbelievers.” (Surah Maidah 5:44)

It is clear from this verse that implementing the laws of the Quran and Sunnah in the lives of Muslims is part of faith.

2. Man-made laws fail:

Man-made laws are changeable, self-serving, and made with limited knowledge. As a result, there is never complete justice established. On the other hand, the law of Allah is made by the eternal, omniscient Creator.

3. Establishment of Justice:

Human history proves that true justice has been established in the Islamic system of government. The best example of this is the caliphate of Hazrat Umar (RA) where Jews, Christians, Muslims, and non-Muslims all lived in safety.

4. Economic Justice:

The Islamic system eliminates interest, bribery, exploitation, and economic inequality and ensures fair distribution of wealth in society through Zakat, Sadaqah, and Baitulmal.

Why is establishing an Islamic system a duty of faith?

1. Acceptance of the sovereignty of Allah:

The basic demand of faith is that Allah is the only Lord and lawgiver. If a Muslim accepts the laws of others instead of Allah's laws, his faith is questioned.

2. Following the orders of the Prophet ﷺ:

The Prophet ﷺ ordered Muslims to follow the laws of Sharia in all areas. He himself established the state of Medina on the basis of Islamic governance. Therefore, it is essential for Muslims to follow his Sunnah.

3. Islamic brotherhood and unity:

Only through Islamic governance is it possible to establish unity, brotherhood, security and welfare among the Muslim Ummah. Individual worship is not enough; collective implementation of the laws of Allah is the demand of true faith.

4. Freedom from Kufr and Jahiliyyah:

Following any law other than the law of Allah means following the path of Jahiliyyah. Therefore, a true believer can never back down from the demand for establishing an Islamic governance.

Characteristics of Islamic Governance

1. Justice: Equal justice for all, Muslims and non-Muslims.

2. Shura or consultative rule: The ruler cannot make decisions as he pleases, but rather through Shura.

3. Responsible ruler: The ruler is the servant of the people, not the master.

4. Religious freedom: Non-Muslims can also practice their religion in Islamic rule.

5. Economic justice: Interest is prohibited, the poor are helped through Zakat and Sadaqah.

6. Women's dignity and rights: Islamic rule ensures the respect, security and rights of women.

Examples of Islamic rule in history

1. The state of Medina of the Prophet ﷺ

The first Islamic state where the constitution, judiciary, war policy, social welfare were all based on Sharia.

2. The era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs

Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), Umar (RA), Uthman (RA) and Ali (RA) - unprecedented justice was established in the history of the world during their rule.

3. Umayyad, Abbasid and Ottoman Caliphates

Throughout the ages, Islamic governance has worked for the welfare of not only Muslims but also humanity.

Islamic Governance in the Current Context

In today's world, the Muslim Ummah is divided, weak and following Western-influenced laws. As a result, corruption, discrimination, injustice and unrest are increasing day by day. To get rid of this situation, Muslims must once again demand Islamic governance and implement it in their lives.

Ways to establish Islamic governance

1. Awakening Islamic consciousness personally.

2. Developing the family and society through Islamic education.

3. United movements and efforts.

4. Making people aware through da'wah and tabligh.

5. Just political struggle.

Establishing Islamic governance is not just a political ideology; rather, it is the name of obeying the commandments of Allah. It is the religious responsibility and duty of Muslims. Muslim society cannot live a complete Islamic life unless it establishes the law of Allah collectively, in addition to individual worship. Therefore, every Muslim should seek an Islamic constitution, strive for it, and organize their lives according to the Quran and Sunnah. The Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Messenger are the guarantee of true freedom, justice, and peace.