that, by adherence to this concept, the nature of social
relationships became totally changed. According to Islam, the
relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims is that of
dayee
(addressor) and
madu
(addressee). But this political
interpretation changed this relationship into one of political
rivalry. As a result, non-Muslims were no longer considered
Muslims’ well-wishers, and people to whom the divine message
had to be conveyed. They rather became their rivals. In this
way, a political culture instead of a
dawah
culture came into
existence.
It was as a result of this political interpretation that,
throughout the whole world, Islamic action became synonymous
with violent action. Activists began their work by employing
peaceful means but soon found that overturning the rulers was
not possible in this way. Therefore, in order to attain their
objectives, they opted for a violent course of action. They even
went to the extent of holding suicide bombing lawful. When
put into practice, the concept of political revolution thus
resulted in nothing but so much hate and violence. Those who
came under the influence of this political interpretation engaged
themselves in a course of action which was wholly unlawful in
Islam, i.e. revolt against an established Muslim government. In
the present day, all Muslim rulers have received modern
education, and because of this background, although religious
in their personal lives, the majority of them have adopted a
modern outlook in political matters. This is why the upholders
of the political interpretation of Islam insist that since their
rulers are not enforcing “complete Islam” in their country, they
feel duty-bound to rebel against them, unseat them from power
and replace them with such individuals as will enforce complete
Islam.
This theory has resulted in a division of the people into two
groups—the rulers and the ruled, with Muslims beginning to
fight against the rulers of their respective countries. This line
of action on the part of the Muslims, in the terminology of
Islamic law (
fiqh)
is that of revolt (
khurooj
), which is clearly
unlawful (
haraam)
in Islam.
The concept of complete religion
33
