The Islamic state operates on the principles of justice, good behavior, and adherence to the laws of God. Compared to other governments, an Islamic state derives authority from the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). An Islamic state aims to establish a fair society where the rights of citizens are secure and the duties of the government are executed based on Islamic law. This blog post describes the primary duties of an Islamic state in an Islamic political system, detailing how it governs, dispenses justice, and brings well-being to people.
Legislation and Implementation of Sharia Law
One of the fundamental roles of an Islamic state is to enact and enforce laws based on the Quran and Sunnah. Sharia law is the code of law and morals, assisting the state in governing, administering justice, and formulating social policy. Intellectuals and scholars in an Islamic state assist in lawmaking by interpreting Islamic scripture to bring the laws in line with divine principles.
Sharia law not only punishes offenses harshly; it also strives to promote justice, fairness, and harmony in society. Islamic laws cover different fields such as contracts, commerce, personal law, and criminal justice, making society comply with ethical and moral principles.
Justice and Judicial System
The administration of justice is one of the fundamental roles of the Islamic State. The judicial system in Islam is independent and founded on justice, so that no one, whether by status or wealth, is above the law. The judge (Qadi) must issue judgments based on Islamic law and must be a man of integrity and knowledge.
Islamic justice is centered around equality, impartiality, and accountability. The Quran explicitly commands rulers and judges to decide cases with fairness:
“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice.” (Quran 4:58)
The judicial system in an Islamic state is designed to protect individuals from oppression, ensure the rights of minorities, and maintain peace in society.
Protection of Citizens and National Security
An Islamic state is duty-bound to provide security and safety to its citizens. This means that it has to safeguard them against external dangers, maintain stability within the country, and see that law and order are upheld. The armed forces and police agencies work according to Islamic principles, which prioritize defending the state and not aggression.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asserted the necessity of security by declaring that a righteous ruler is obligated to the welfare of his citizens. Historical instances of early Islamic rule demonstrate how Caliphs provided national security along with ethical behavior even in times of war.
Economic System and Financial Justice
An Islamic state guarantees a just economic system that prohibits exploitation and encourages wealth distribution. The economy is grounded on justice principles, excluding interest (riba) and monopolies and rewarding trade, investment, and charity.
Islamic economic principles include:
- Zakat (Obligatory Charity): A mandatory system where wealthy individuals give a portion of their wealth to the poor.
- Bait-ul-Mal (State Treasury): A fund used for public welfare, infrastructure development, and assisting the needy.
- Fair Trade Practices: Islam promotes ethical business dealings, ensuring that traders do not engage in fraud or deceit.
The economic system of an Islamic state ensures that wealth circulates fairly, reducing income disparity and creating financial stability.
Social Welfare and Public Services
An Islamic state gives top priority to the welfare of its people by offering them basic services like healthcare, education, and economic support. The state makes sure that no one is left out, especially widows, orphans, and the disabled.
Islamic governments in the past exhibited robust social welfare policies. Under the regime of Caliph Umar bin Khattab (RA), the government created welfare programs, constructed public hospitals, and supplied food assistance to the poor. The same model continues to be an ideal for Islamic-based governance in the contemporary era.
Preservation of Religious and Moral Values
An Islamic state must uphold and propagate religious and moral values in society. This entails ensuring that Islamic teachings are applied in public life while granting freedom of religious practice to non-Muslims.
Islamic governance encourages:
- Freedom of Worship: Non-Muslims in an Islamic state have the right to practice their faith without oppression.
- Moral Conduct: The state promotes ethical behavior, modesty, and family values through education and policies.
- Eradication of Social Evils: Corruption, dishonesty, and immorality are discouraged through public awareness and strict enforcement of ethical laws.
Foreign Policy and Relations with Other Nations
Islamic foreign policy is premised on coexistence in peace, justice, and safeguarding Muslim interests. The state conducts diplomacy with other states while guaranteeing that Islamic values are protected in foreign transactions.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) signed treaties with various nations and tribes and showed diplomacy, justice, and respect for others’ cultures. The early Caliphs carried on the same way, establishing relations with non-Muslim states in terms of justice and mutual gains.
Conclusion
Islamic State is a model of government based on justice, equity, and the application of divine legislation. Its roles are not only to rule and administer but to provide social welfare, economic well-being, security, and safeguard moral values. A perfect Islamic state aims to build a just society where its people live in peace, equity, and prosperity guided by Islamic teachings.
Through the application of these principles, an Islamic state is a paradigm of justice and righteousness, intent on meeting the divine mandate of rule as presented in the Quran and Sunnah. The ideal of the Islamic state continues to be an important topic of research and debate, shaping modern attempts to establish equitable and balanced political structures based on Islamic principles.
References
- The Holy Quran (Surah Al-Nisa 4:58, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:275)
- Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim (Sayings of Prophet Muhammad PBUH on Governance and Justice)
- Ibn Khaldun, Muqaddimah (Historical perspectives on Islamic governance)
- Al-Mawardi, Al-Ahkam al-Sultaniyyah (The Laws of Islamic Governance)
- Historical records of the governance of Caliphs Umar bin Khattab (RA) and Ali bin Abi Talib (RA)
Also read:
- CSS International Relations (IR) Notes & Study Material
- CSS Public Administration Notes & Study Material
- CSS Islamic History & Culture Notes & Study Material
- CSS All Previous Papers
- PMS Past Papers
