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The Islam Contributions to Political Life
Islam's encompassment of all aspects of life is illustrated in holy Quran verse No. 3 of Surah Al-Maeda (5)
A Jew commented on this verse to the Caliph Omar Ibn Al-Khatab saying
The Caliph Omar replied saying that it was revealed in a ceremonial day. The bounties bestowed upon Muslims are extended to the benefit of Mankind and the whole universe over the period since the creation of Adam up to the Resurrection Day.
Islam as a sole religion denotes a submission to Allah's Will is made clear Surrah Aal Emeran (3) verse 19
The message of Islam was the greatest, most perfectm, conclusive and sealing revelation. All predecessor messengers of Allah had it as a shared religionm thus holding it a common faith through the span of Man life. This concept is further asserted in another verse No. 85 of the same Surrah
The teachings of Islam didn’t omit precise directions to organize all aspects of human life. The relationship between people are based on the principles of veracity and justice. The rapports between peoples and international relations among states, in political, military, economic, cultural, social domains are governed by principles of equity and exclude according privileges to certain categories in way that would give rise to sentiments of grievance.
The core components of the Islamic political theory are justice and compassion. As such, there is no room for favor for selected parties at the international relations level, regional level and even within a given state. Rulers are not accorded divine vice-gerent status. They are considered human beings to be treated on equal terms with all citizen in the context of the rule of law. Rulers as individuals share with the entirety of their subjects the burden of good governance. This theory is based on consultancy and exclusion of oligarchy. All individuals have the right to contest a ruler’s decree. Rulers mission is serve their people not the other way round.
The Islamic teachings introduced for the first time the principle of separation of powers, also known as trias politica. They include precision on the powers and responsibilities of each estate and the eligibility requirements of those to occupy posts respectively. God-fearing, competence and integrity are the eligibility criteria to be fulfilled by an individual competing for posts regardless of other considerations. Islamic teachings were the first included with eligibility requirements for rulers applicable on equitable terms to all people. There is no requirement that rulers should belong to angles or any specific sect. The uppermost requirements are piety, integrity, competence and justice. Rulers shall be elected by wise people among scholars considered authorities in jurisprudence and armed with an ability to discern the differences between the illicit and licit.
The teachings of Islam were the first included with definition a specific remuneration for rulers who are consequently not free to decide on disbursement of public fund according to their wishes. Tight controls are put in place to block loopholes and prevent embezzlement by the head of the states and other functionaries.
Islam was the first to apply the principles of individual freedom and consultancy. All people are subject to the rule of law in equitable terms including the rulers and the most diminutive employees. Regardless of their ranks, all functionaries including the head of the state, don’t enjoy immunities to prevent prosecution for injustices to a citizen. Islam was the first to create the prime minister’s function which can at the early history of Islam denominated “Saddr Al-azzam”. Islam was the first to put in place system of accountability of rulers. It was a unique arrangement not comparable to any other man made system . It involved no complicated and lengthy procedures and made easy for an average citizen. The Islamic political theory is among the most successful and proven record over long periods of times and recurrent eras. The modern state polity adopted by the contemporary westerns had in fact been introduced by Islam well in place tens of year prior to the emergence of the western civilization which plagiarized it after the crusades. The teachings of Islam encompass acts of worship as well guidance of management of worldly state affairs. A Muslin should be at the same time a dedicated worshiper, a warrior and hard worker.
Candid western intellectuals admit those facts in addition to the credit due to Islamic civilization for its role and positive impact on human civilization over thousands of years across all corners of the earth. |