Politics in Islam

The influence of Western thought on the minds of many Muslims considerably changed their view-point on several issues regarding their way of life. Western philosophy and institutions have become exemplary to many Muslims. The definition and the subsequent role of politics has been and continues to be understood by many Muslims within the framework of the European theory and practice. Muslim scholars, in an effort to confront the corruption of thought among the Muslims declared that politics is evil and should not become a field of work for true believers. However by doing so, they acknowledged the Western outlook towards politics thereby falling victim to the idea of secularism. This meant that Muslims should not resort to politics because religion had no place for it. This lead to a large number of devout Muslims preaching Islam in a manner that was meaningful only to the individual as his private affair. The resulting isolation became an obstacle for many Muslims to actively participate in changing the society according to the precepts of Islam. Indeed many among them failed to realize, if at all, there was a need for change. It is our intention to present a general view towards politics, its role and institutions according to the Islamic Sharia. Furthermore to clarify many misconceptions within the realm of political activity, we have chosen a comparative approach, bringing forth the western view point towards politics as well.

Definition

The word "siyasah" can be understood to mean politics. Siyasah is a derivative of the root "sasa" which literally means taking care of. The Arabic word "sa'is" is another derivative of the same root, and refers to one who takes care of the animals. Hence "siyasah" refers to taking care of the affairs of a nation. By this token the shara'i definition of siyasah is 'taking care of the affairs of a nation according to Islam'. This view is supported by the saying of Prophet Muhammad (SAAW)," The one who does not care about the affairs of the Muslims is not a Muslim" (Muslim).

It is worth noting at this point that the concept of politics in the west is considerably different, as summarized by Machivelli, who is considered to be a founder of modern political theory in the west. He said of politics that "it is the art practiced by the powerful to exploit the weak". He further argues that a good politician should not be concerned with morality, but should aim to achieve his goals in a calculated and subtle manner.

A Brief Comparison

While capitalism permits and encourages interest group politics under the garb of a just and fair democratic process, Islam strictly subjects a politician to the laws of Allah (swt).

There is a striking contrast between the above two definitions regarding politics. In Islam politics is subjected to the laws of Allah (SWT) and political aims are formulated on the basis of the Sharia. Politics in Islam is not directed by self interest as suggested by Machivelli. The authority exercised by rulers is not derived through a powerful elite to secure their interests as practiced in the west. In Islam political activity is accompanied by responsibility as well as accountability. Hence politics in Islam is not an art of deception aimed to assure the survival of the fittest. Contrary to this is the politics practiced in the west and the rest of the world, where accusations and convenient propaganda are the tools employed to win political battles. Such politics breeds on corrupt men who exercise their power for selfish gains. However the contemporary politics, both on national and international levels, should not come as a surprise to us, simply because the goals and the means to achieve them stem out of capitalism and are preserved by its "democratic" institutions. Capitalism has profoundly affected the politics of the West. It considers the 'good' of the society as a variable, that relies almost wholly on what benefits the corporation. In reality, politics in the West literally adheres to the description Machivelli alluded to.

Politics...A Dilemma

Although politics involves tact, foresight and skillful planning it nevertheless flows within an ideological framework. While capitalism permits and encourages interest group politics under the garb of a just and fair democratic process, Islam strictly subjects a politician to the laws of Allah (SWT). It was the political practice of the west that forced some Muslim scholars to declare that politics was not part of Islam and was a source of corruption. After witnessing that, the precedent laid by the west became a source of inspiration as well as a standard practice among the Muslims, these scholars resorted to political isolation instead of confronting the situation boldly. Consequently one factor, among others, for the failure of Islamic movements in certain parts of the Muslim world, was the quick acceptance by many Muslims of a secular leadership. With this attitude towards politics, it became harder for many Muslims to understand Islam in its socio-political context. Politics and political parties are still considered to be secular in nature by many Muslims. Not realizing the far reaching implications of political function, and more importantly its absolute necessity in changing the society, many Muslims have chosen to present Islam as a belief that

influences individual practice only. Unfortunately many among us fail to realize that it is the duty of this Ummah to be continually involved with politics and only by doing so will we change our condition. We will now briefly mention what major political functions Muslims are required to engage in.

Major Political Functions

Allah (SWT) says "And rule among them by that which Allah has revealed to you, and do not follow their vain desires..." (Surah Maidah:48). This clearly commands Prophet Muhammad (SAAW) to rule among people by Islam, hence it is also an order for all Muslims to establish the rule of Allah (SWT). Ruling is a political function and cannot be ignored because the Ayah makes it an obligation. This perhaps is the most significant political function that the Ummah is entrusted with. Khilafah is the institution that is responsible to carry out the obligation of implementing Islam and carrying it to the rest of mankind.

Allah (SWT) orders by saying "Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good , enjoining what is right , and forbidding what is wrong: they are the ones to attain felicity". This requires us to form a party which invites to Islam and forbids what is wrong. Enjoining what is good requires that this group carry Islam in its totality and forbidding wrong includes checking on the implementation of Islam in all aspects. Hence inside the Islamic State Muslims, individuals as well as groups, are required to be active in politics as well. However under the present circumstances this party should engage in a political and intellectual struggle to establish the authority of Islam in the society. Establishment of Islam on a society is incumbent upon all Muslims due to the various commands of Allah (swt) that order us to rule by Islam. This objective should become our top-most priority, because only then can we accomplish the most significant political function mentioned in the preceding paragraph, i.e., ruling by Islam.

Political struggle does not imply participating in a Kufr system nor does it require compromising on the principles of Islam on the grounds of expediency. Political struggle requires that the rulers, who implement Kufr and safeguard the interests of the Kuffar, be confronted without reluctance. It also necessitates that the Da'awah of Islam be given to those who either hold some sort of power or influence in the society as well as the general Muslim population.

Ar-Raya Magazine