This article seeks to secure everyone’s right to participate in the government of his country and to have equal access to public service in his country, and that the freely expressed will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government.
In this context the basic Islamic concept is that sovereignty over the universe belongs to God, but that man, as God’s vicegerent, is invested with authority in certain spheres, as a trust, in respect of the exercise of which he is answerable and accountable to God. The principle operates in every sphere of life. The Prophet said: “Every one of you is a steward, and is responsible and accountable for that which is committed into his care. The Sovereign is responsible and answerable for his people, every man is responsible and answerable for the members of his family, every woman is responsible and answerable for her home and children, and every servant is responsible and answerable for the property of his master that is in his charge.”1
In the sphere of government and the conduct of public affairs the Quran lays down certain general directions which must be carried into effect, but leaves the method of carrying them into effect to be worked out according to the needs, demands and requirements of each situation. It begins by prescribing as a binding obligation that authority in public matters, which it describes as a trust, must be vested in the people best capable of exercizing it. “Verily, Allah commands you to entrust authority into the hands of those who are best fitted to discharge it, and that when you are called upon to judge between, or exercise authority over, the people, you must do so equitably and with justice. Surely, excellent is that with which Allah admonishes you. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing” (4:59).
This shows that sovereignty, in this context, is vested in the people and they are admonished to commit its exercise into the hands of those who are best fitted to discharge its responsibilities. The obligation thus laid upon the people to choose their representatives wisely, is balanced by the corresponding obligation laid upon those who are entrusted with authority to exercise it justly and equitably. These two obligations, if duly discharged, would ensure good and beneficent administration of public affairs. The concluding portion of the verse implies that the Muslims might from time to time be tempted to depart from these two fundamental principles and to try other experiments; but they are warned that what Allah has admonished them with is alone the most excellent and the most beneficent method of discharging these responsibilities. Allah will watch over the process and will call to account those responsible in respect of any default committed by them.
Islam has not prescribed any particular method for the exercise of the franchise and has left the people free to adopt such method or system as in any particular situation may be deemed to be best fitted for the purpose laid down.
The State must carry out its responsibilities in consultation with the people directly or through their representatives, as the situation may demand (3:160). This is necessary for the purpose of keeping the administration in touch with the people and informed of their views, and also for the purpose of training the representatives of the people in the conduct of public affairs. The administration of public affairs through appropriate consultation of competent persons should be a characteristic of Muslim society. “Those who hearken to their Lord and observe Prayer, and whose affairs are determined by mutual consultation, and who spend out of whatsoever We have bestowed upon them (42:39).
On the part of the people, co-operation with, and obedience to, those set in authority and entrusted with the conduct of public affairs is placed in juxtaposition to the duty of obedience owed to Allah and to His Messenger. If any differences should develop they must be settled in accordance with the precepts laid down in the Quran and illustrated and expounded by the Prophet. “O ye who believe, obey Allah and obey His Messenger and those who are in authority among you.
If you differ in anything among youselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger if you are believers in Allah and the Last Day. That is best and most commendable in the end” (4:60).
The Quran and its illustration and exposition by the Prophet must always rule.
1 Bukhari II, Sect.: Marriage, Ch.: Wife is a steward in her home.