Islamic Political System (Basic Concept) : Madiha Ashraf

Islamic Political System
(Basic Concept)
Course Instructor
Islamic Studies:
Madiha Ashraf
Islamic Political System
 The political system of Islam has been based
on three principles, viz., Tawheed (Oneness
of God), Risalat (Prophet hood) and Khilafat
(Caliphate). It is difficult to appreciate the
different aspects of the Islamic policy with-
out fully understanding these three
principles. I will, therefore, begin with a
brief exposition of them. Tawheed (Oneness)
means that one God alone is the Creator,
Sustainer and Master of this universe and of
all that exists in it organic or inorganic.
Purpose of the Islamic State
 The main object of the Islamic state is to
promote good and stop the evils. The
Muslims should be forced to act upon the
orders of the Quran and Sunnah. Islamic
state guides its citizens in all aspects of
life including religion. It promotes peace
and order.
Characteristics of Islamic State
Following are the basic characteristics of an
Islamic state
1. It is a government of Allah. Sovereignty lies
with Allah and Quran is the basic law. The
Khalifa (Caliph) works under the supremacy
of Allah.
2. It is not a Democracy of the modern age, it
is not a theocracy. It is theo-democracy
3. Islamic state based on the tenets of the
Quran and Sunnah.
Basic Principles of Islamic State
1. Islamic State is Justice (“Adal”). Allah has

proclaimed in the Holy Quran that “when you
decide among the people……
2. Muslims should decide their matters through
mutual consultation. Majlis-e-Shoora should be
appointed as Holy Quran says”.
3. Full freedom of speech and expression. Every
Muslim will try to promote good and stop evils
and to speak truth.
4. Khalifa is responsible to Allah and public.
5. There is perfect equality and no discrimination on
grounds of race color and creed.
6. The law should be based on Holy Quran and

Sunnah.
7. Judiciary should be independent of the executive.

Khalifa is ordinary citizen in the eyes of the
Judiciary.
8. The ruler should be elected from the will of the

citizens and they must be consulted in this matter
Duties and Functions of an Islamic State
1. Executive for Civil and Military
The executive does not require elaborate examination. It is
self evident and obtains everywhere in the world. The
sovereignty belongs to Allah and it is a trust which is
administered by men for the well being of all without exception.
2. Legislative functions:
All the laws are to be framed in the limits fixed by the Holy
Quran, whether spiritual or temporal.
3. The Domain of Judiciary:
All the peoples should be considered equal before
law and also the Head of the state is not exempted.
The non Muslims inhabitants of the Islamic state enjoy
a judicial autonomy, each community having its own
tribunals.
4. Cultural Duty:
Muslims government, not only to abide by the
divine law in the daily behavior but also organize
foreign missions for the purpose that Holy Quran says
“There is no compulsion in the religion”.
Forms of Government
1. Consultative Deliberation (Shoora):
The Quran commands the Muslims again and again to take their decisions after
consultation whether a public matter or a private one. The practice of the Holy
Prophet (S.A.W.W) has reinforced this disposition as Holy Prophet always consulted
his companions and the representatives of the tribes of his adherents before taking
decision and also all the khalifas continuously always consulted with other sahaba- e-
kiram.
2. Foreign Policy:
In an Islamic state, the relations with foreign countries are based on
what is called International law. The basic principle of the system of
International relations are that the Muslims and Non Muslims are equal in respect of
the sufferings of the world.
3. Muslim Law of War:

The Muslim law of war is Humane. It does not permit the killings of minors, women,
the very old, children, sick and monks. Islam seeks to establish a world community
with complete equality among all the peoples without distinction of race, color, class
or country and also no compulsion in religious beliefs, every individual responsible to
Allah, and the functionaries of the servant of the peoples. Everyone is responsible for
spreading the good and prevent evils.
Salient Features of an Islamic State
1. Religious Freedom:
Muslims like the followers of the every other religion have a right to enjoy religious freedom.
2. Peace:
They should try to enter into treaties with the non Muslims to create peace for themselves and
for others.
3. Abide of Treaties:
They should abide by those treaties even if they are not Satisfactory to them on all counts. Once
sided violation of treaty is sinful.
4. Creation of Power:
When they have gained enough power to protect themselves by force, they are allowed to use
force against the aggressors without transgressing proper limits.
5. Religious Freedom for Non Muslims:
The Non Muslims, if they become peaceful and loyal subjects of the state are to be granted
complete liberty of religious belief.
6. Social Welfare State:
Muslim state is a social welfare state and theocratic democracy which derives its authority from
Allah.
7. Civil Liberty:
The fundamentals of the constitution shall guarantee equal civil liberties to all subjects.
8. Status of Women:
Under the law men and women shall enjoy same fundamental rights. Women shall be allowed
to hold property in their names.
9. Economic System:
The economics of the society should be according to the Islam not Capitalism and socialism.
10. Equal Inheritance:
The law of the inheritance should be equal for all children.
11. Tax on Income:
With the compulsion of zakat, Islamic government can impose (if required) a tax and the
purpose of the tax shall be the relief and gradual economic leveling of society, should be taken
for the rich Person and pay to the poor persons.
12. Permission of Trade:
There shall be freedom of trade for every citizen.
13. Principle of Justice:
According to Islam, Sovereignty belongs to Allah and the principles of Social Justice are derived
from his attributes.
Rights and Duties of Muslim Citizens:
The rights of the Muslims citizens are of three kinds:
1. Social rights 2. Economic Rights 3. Political rights
1. Social Rights
(a) Right to life (b) Religious Freedom (c) Right to acquisition of Property (d)
Right to Honor (e) Right to equality (f) Right to agreement (g) Right of speech
and writing (h) Right to marriage (i) Right to Education.
2. Economic Rights
Every citizen can equally benefit from the wealth of state, employment and
profession.
3. Political Rights
(a) Right to speech and writing
(b) Participation in legislation.
(c) Shoora (d) Right to Impartial Justice
Duties of Muslim Citizen:
Promotion of Good and to stop evils, offer prayers, not

to interfere in the liberties of the others, Jihad (if
required), promote unity, equality, tolerant towards non
muslims. Every Muslim citizen should not go against the
tenets of the Holy Quran and Sunnah.

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Islamic Political System

1. Islamic State is Justice (“Adal”). Allah has

6. The law should be based on Holy Quran and

7. Judiciary should be independent of the executive.

8. The ruler should be elected from the will of the

3. Muslim Law of War:

5. Religious Freedom for Non Muslims:

6. Social Welfare State:

10. Equal Inheritance:

The law of the inheritance should be equal for all children.

11. Tax on Income:

12. Permission of Trade:

There shall be freedom of trade for every citizen.

13. Principle of Justice:

Promotion of Good and to stop evils, offer prayers, not

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