The other major international question confronting us today is that of the determination of the form of government for a given region or country. Here, too, the guiding principles of Islam are so pertinent, weighty and elastic that their truth and practicability become self- evident. No one can deny that a particular form of government so considered suitable or unsuitable only when applied to a specific set of conditions, and it is idle to imagine that a particular political system can fulfil the needs of all people for all times.
This is why Islam does not specify a particular government. It neither presents a democratic or socialist form, nor recommends kingship or dictatorship. Instead of dilating upon the methods of establishing governments, Islam enunciates the principle of conducting political and governmental affairs in a specific manner, and imposes the condition that, no matter what the form, the responsibilities of a government will always be discharged justly, and fairly, with sympathy; always fulfilling and upholding basic human rights. Thus, instead of emphasising the first segment of the commonly accepted definition of democracy, i.e., government, by the people, Islam emphasises that, whatever the form of the government, it must in all events be for the people. So when democracy is mentioned among other forms of government the real stress is laid on its quality. It is emphasised that it should not be a hollow democracy, but that those electing their rulers should be competent people, motivated in all honesty to elect only those who are really fit and equal to the task. This has been made a prerequisite of any election to office by the Holy Quran:
Verily, Allah commands you to give over the trusts to those entitled to them, and that, when you judge between men, you judge with justice. ...1
And then, whatever government may as a result be established, it is obliged to govern with justice, without any discrimination of race, colour, or creed.
Now I shall briefly summarise the rules that flow from the fundamentals given in the Holy Quran about any system of government:
A government is duty-bound to protect the honour, life and property of its people.2
A ruler must always act with justice, between individuals and between people.3
National matters should be settled by consultation.4
Government must arrange to fulfil the basic needs of man: that is to say, provide him food, clothing and shelter.5
People should be provided a peaceful and secure environment, and their lives, property and honour protected.6
The economic system should be equitable and orderly.7
Health care should be organised.8
There should prevail total religious freedom.9
A vanquished people must be dealt with justly.10
Prisoners of war should be treated with compassion.11
Treaties and agreements must always be honoured.12
Iniquitous agreements must not be forced upon the weak.13
Muslim subjects are enjoined to obey the government in authority. The only exception to this rule is a case where the government blatantly opposes and prevents the carrying out of religious duties and obligations.14
If differences should arise with the ruler, then these should be settled in the light of the principles enunciated in the Holy Quran and by the Holy Prophet(sa). In no event should one be swayed by selfish motives.15
People are enjoined to assist the authorities by supporting schemes that aim to promote general well-being and welfare. It is forbidden to launch so-called non-cooperation movements.16
Similarly, governments are obliged to assist in beneficent undertakings, whether individual or collective, and not to obstruct such endeavours.
A powerful country is forbidden from all forms of aggression against another country. Recourse to arms is permitted in self- defence only.17
1 The Holy Quran 4:59.
2 Verily, Allah commands you to make over the trust to those entitled to them... The Holy Quran 4:59.
3 ...And that, when you judge between men, you judge with justice. The Holy Quran 4:59.
4 And whose affairs are decided by mutual consultation. The Holy Quran 42:39.
5 It is provided for thee that thou wilt not hunger therein, nor wilt thou be naked. And that thou wilt not thirst therein, nor wilt thou be exposed to the sun. The Holy Quran 20:119-120.
6 And when he is in authority, he runs about in the land to create disorder in it and destroy the crops and the progeny of man; and Allah loves not disorder. The Holy Quran 2:206.
7 See the Holy Quran 16:91
8 The Holy Quran 6:143.
The Holy Quran 2:169.
See the Holy Quran 16:91
9 There should be no compulsion in religion. The Holy Quran 2:257.
10 And let not a people’s enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. Be always just, that is nearer to righteousness. The Holy Quran 5:9.
11 It does not behove a Prophet that he should have captives until he engages in regular fighting in the land. The Holy Quran 8:68.
Then afterwards either release them as a favour or by taking ransom— until the war lays down its burdens. That is the ordinance. The Holy Quran 47:5.
12 See the Holy Quran 16:92
13 See the Holy Quran 16:93
14 Obey Allah, and obey His Messenger and those who are in authority among you. The Holy Quran 4:60.
15 And if you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger. The Holy Quran 4:60.
16 And help one another in righteousness and piety; but help not one another in sin and transgression. The Holy Quran 5:3.
17 And strain not thy eyes after what we have bestowed on some classes of them to enjoy for a short time. The Holy Quran 20:132.