Principles of Islamic State

&
Muslim Political Thinkers

Dr. Muhammad Ali

Department of Political Science
University of Karachi
 Outline

• Islamic State
• History
• Principles of Islamic State
• Muslim Political Thinkers
• Conclusion
 What is Islamic state

An Islamic state is a Theocratic State which

based on Sharia (Islamic Law ‫)شریعت‬.

As a term, it has been used to describe various

historical political thinkers and theories of
governance in the Islamic world.
 History of Islamic State/Khilafat
• Medina State (622 -632)
• Khilafat Rashida (632–661).
• Umayyad Khilafat (661–750)
• Abbasid Khilafat (750–1258).
• Ottoman Khilafat ( 13th Centuries – 1924)
modern Islamic state
Libyan, Iran Pakistan Saudi Arabia Afghanistan
 Principles of Islamic State

1. SHARIAT (ISLAMIC LAW )

2. Khilafat (Immamat)
3. Consultation. (SHURA )
4. Meritocracy (Rule of Merit):
5. Islam as a Welfare State:
6. Accountability
7. Transparency:
8. Equality and Justice:
9. Anti-Corruption Policy:
10. Respect for Human Rights:
 1 SHARIAT (ISLAMIC LAW )
Main sources Sharia are of particularly the QURAN , ,HADITH ,
IJMA AND IJTIHAD.

2 Khilafat (632-1921)
Khilafat is a semi-religious political system of governance in
Islam, in which the territories of the Islamic empire and the
people within were ruled by a supreme leader called Khalifa.
(Meaning in Arabic – meaning successor).
 3 Consultation. (SHURA)

• One of the fundamentals of Islamic governance is that

decisions should be taken through consultation. Meeting or
consultation that follows the teachings of Islam.
• Consultation following the guidelines of the Quran and the
Sunnah.
• There is a leader elected among them to head the meeting.
• All members are given fair opportunity to voice out their
opinions.
• The issue should be of public interest.
• The voices of the majority are accepted, provided it does not
violate the teachings of the Quran or Sunnah.
 4 Meritocracy (Rule of Merit):

• Merit is also one of the important principles of Islamic

governance, whereby all appointments in state and non-state
organizations are made on the basis of competence.
• Islam also believe on administrative justice, which means
that all State functionaries are also subject to accountability
and do not consider and treat people as “slaves” or “personal
servants”. They should not insult the people in any manner.
They should be honest and efficiently administer public
affairs.
• 5 Islam as a Welfare State:
• Islam is the first religion who gave the concept of welfare. The Islamic state is
responsible to look after the poor, needy, orphans, destitute, widows and other
such people.
• 6 Accountability in Islam: Accountability is one of the core stones of Isalmic
governance. Accountability in governance is basically about holding public
officials responsible for their actions. Accountability -In the Holy Qur'an, the word
hesab is repeated more than eight times in different verses.
• 7 Transparency: Transparency is also one of the significant elements of Islamic
political philosophy. Transparency means that decision taken and their
enforcement are done in a manner that follows rules and regulations.
• The Qur’an demands fair, open and ethical behavior in all business transactions.
• 8 Anti-Corruption Policy:
• Needless to say, corruption creates a grave obstacle in the way of good
governance. Islam always stands against all sort of corruption. Moreover,
Islam regards Bait-al-Maal (state treasury) as Amanah (Divine Trust).
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the Caliphs were very strict with public
finance and management.
•
• 9 Equality and Justice: Justice and equality are two significant values of
Islamic administration. The fundamental doctrine of Islam is Equality of all
mankind. It’s implied in the basic Islamic teaching of Tawhid (belief in the
Unity of Allah) the principle of equality is one of the most important
constitutional principles upon which the contemporary system rests.
• 10 Respect for Human Rights: Respect for
Human Rights is considered one of the major
ingredients of good governance. In the Islamic
system of governance, individual rights are
beautifully guaranteed and safeguarded by
the constitution. Islam pays due attention to
the rights and status of humankind.
 Muslim Political Thinkers

• Al Mawardi
• Al-Ghazali
• Ibne Khaldoon
• Al-Farabi
• Nizam-ul-Mulk Tusi
INRTODUCTION Al Mawardi Al-Ghazali Ibne Khaldoon

Abual Hassan Abu Hamid Abu Zaid Abd-al-

Muhammad Rahman I

ERA 974 A.C. - 1058 1058 –1111 1332 –1406

Baghdad
Books Kitaab Al Ahkaam Ihya-ul-Ulam Kitab-al-Ibrar…..
Al-Sultania, Muqaddamah
Contribution Theory of Theory of Theory of
Caliphate or Imamate Imamate
Imamate Amir” of Al-
Ghazali
 Qualification Of Imam:

1. Imam must be male Muslims.

2. He must be free and adult.
3. Man of justice.
4. Brave and courageous.
5. His senses and organs are right.
6. Preferably from Quraish.
•
 Power and functions

• Al-Mawardi and later describe that imam should be following:

• follow the straight path of SHARIAT

• Promote Islamic Law
• Legislative Power
• Executive Powers
• Judicial Powers
• Financial Powers ,Tax
• Diplomatic Powers
• Defense Of Country
• Collect OF Zakat
• obedience From People
Conclusion
Thank you