Life and Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad
4. The Concept of the State in Islam
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From our study of the Quran, Hadith and Islamic history, we
come to this conclusion:
1. The position of political rule in Islam is not that of the
target of action, but is rather the result of action. That is to
say, fulfilling the criteria of faith and good deeds alone
makes one deserving of political power.
2. There is no hard and fast rule for the political structure in
Islam. Rather we find great flexibility.
3. Although there may be adjustment so far as the political
structure is concerned, there can be no adjustment or
concession so far as the Islamic spirit is concerned.
4. According to the study of the hadith, our actions towards
political reform will be limited to the giving of advice,
i.e.
by peaceful means. This will never go to the extent of
launching violent movements aimed at ousting the rulers.
As the traditions have it: “When you find corruption among
the rulers, you must pay your due and ask your due from
God. It is as if the principle of Jesus Christ is also accepted
in Islam:
“Render therefore to Caesar the things that are
Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
(Luke: 20:26).
The Quran tells us: “God enjoins you to do justice.” This
justice in its basic sense, pertains to individual character. It
demands that everyone in his personal life should develop a
