The Islamic Ruling System...

The Islamic ruling system is unlike any other system of government and has no equal. It is not a federal, democratic, republican, monarchic or any other dictatorial system and has no similarity to any man-made ideology. It is unmatched in its justice, accountability and its robust constitution that leaves no crisis without a solution. Moreover, it has a historical track record of unsurpassed prosperity that lasted longer and reigned over more of the world than almost any other empire.

Unlike other systems, the Islamic state considers all people under its authority as citizens, regardless of their ‘ethnic origin’, religion, race, colour, gender or place of birth. Whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims they have their rights guaranteed by Islam. Ibn Hazm said,

“It would be our duty to protect the people of Dhimmah (non-Muslim citizens) if aggressors attacked our land, and we should die protecting them if necessary. Any neglect of such a duty would be a breach of the rights of the Dhimmah.”

In a democracy, it is assumed that the right to legislate law belongs to the weak, limited and imperfect people, who will elect representatives to choose a leader and decide what is Halal (lawful) and what is Haram (unlawful) according to their desires and narrow-minded ideas. These laws are then chopped and changed when its flaws become apparent. It allows the ruling regime to legislate in favour of some people at the expense of others and permits oppression against minorities as has been made most clear in light of recent ‘terror’ legislation in Britain.

In comparison, the Islamic ruling system recognizes that sovereignty is for Allah, Allah says,

‘The Hukm (right of legislation) is for none but Allah’ [12:40]

As such, the law is decided by the creator and Lord of mankind and guarantees justice for all its citizens, it is not a process of trial and error and the government is accountable to it as much as any citizen. Allah said:

“And rule between them by that which Allah revealed to you and do not follow their whims, and beware (be on the alert) that they may deviate you away from even some part of what Allah revealed to you”. [5:49]

A Muslim ruler is elected by the public to rule over them according to the laws of the Shari’ah of Islam. He can be corrected, accounted and unlike western democracies deposed by the people instantly (not after 5 years) if he becomes apostate, corrupted, overpowered by external influences becoming a puppet ruler, insane, incompetent, captive or if he rules by any other law besides the Shari’ah of Islam.

The Khalifah has five main duties which he must fulfill to be regarded as the Khalifah and for obedience to binding to him,

(1) Hifz al Deen – Protection of the Deen

(2) Ri’ayat ul Sho’oun – Looking after the interests and managing the affairs of the people by Islam

(3) Rafi al Tanazu’ or Fasal al Takhasum – Removing disputes and establishing justice. Allah says,

“O you who believe, Allah has ordered you to return the rights and trusts to their people and if you rule between people, rule with justice” [4:58]

(4) Hifz al Dowlah wal Ummah – Protection of the state and the Ummah,

(5) Hamel al Da’wah wa Izhaar ul Deen – To carry Islam to the whole world. Allah says,

“It is he who has sent his Messenger with guidance and the Deen of truth for it to become dominant over all other ways of life.” [9:33]

Unlike western dictatorships like Britain or America, a Khalifah is accountable to its citizens and can be taken to court, if oppresses or punishes a person, even by mistake, he (not the taxpayer) will be punished or ordered to pay compensation, the Prophet (saws) put himself forward to the people to be accounted one day saying,

“If there is any man that I have taken anything from his wealth, then here is my wealth, take from it what I took from you; if I have abused anyone’s honour, then this is my honour, take from it in retaliation and the best among you is the man who has something he deserves from me, so he can take it from me or forgive it.” Nobody responded except for one man who said, “I need three dirham from you that I gave to you, but intended it as a loan and not a gift.” So the Prophet (saws) paid it back immediately.

And similarly there are many examples in the rich Islamic history of Caliphs paying compensation, allowing others to hit them or punishing their own governors in retaliation for injustices they have committed.

Nothing similar could ever be imagined under any other ruling system. Indeed there is no better choice for society than to be ruled by the Islamic ruling system.