In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Gracious

As-Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullaahi wa Barakaatuhu

ISLAMIC

RESEARCH AND INFORMATION CENTRE

The Concept of Community and State

If a person embraces Islam, he becomes a Muslim and a member of Jamaa‘atul Muslimeen (Muslims’ Community). Let him belong to any region, any colour, any language, any race, any nationality and any social status, he will have the same rights as other Muslims have. There will be no obstacles for him in the matter of marital relations, social contracts and opportunities of developments. He can become even the Head of the Muslim community if he really deserves for it. This clearly manifests that Islam does not recognize any distinction among people on the basis of region, colour, language, race, nationality and social status. The Holy Quraan says: -

“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other). Verily, the most honoured of you in the Sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” (49: 13)

This shows that Islam favours universalism.

All Muslims are combined to form a Jamaa’at (community) called Jamaa‘atul Muslimeen. It has an Ameer (Head) and an administrative committee. All Muslims should have a pledge of allegiance on the hand of the Ameer. Allah says: “O you who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If you differ in anything among yourselves, consult Allah and His Messenger about it if you do believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is best and most suitable for final determination.” (4: 59)

All Muslims gather at one place and implement Islam in both individual and social lives. Thus an Islamic state is formed. As soon as an Islamic state is formed, the Ameer becomes the ruler of the state.

An Islamic state is the territory where Islam is enforced and observed in both individual and social lives. In Islamic state, Islam will be the Constitution, and Islam is consulted in all the matters. The Sovereignty does not belong to the ruler, nor even to the people themselves. It belongs to Allah alone. And the people as a whole exercise it as trust from Allah, enforce His Law and enact His Will. The ruler is only an acting executive who serves people according to the Law of Allah.

The territory where Islam is not enforced and observed in both individual and social lives will not be called as the Islamic state even if it was ruled by (nominal) Muslims. The Holy Quraan says:

1)      “And whosoever does not command (according to) what Allah has revealed, they are the disbelievers.” (5: 44)

2)      “And whosoever does not command (according to) what Allah has revealed, they are the wrong-doers.” (5: 45)

3)      “And whosoever does not command (according to) what Allah has revealed, they are the rebellious.” (5: 47)

If Muslims have more than one territory, all territories will be ruled under the command of a single Ameer. Thus all territories combine to form a single state.

How is the Ameer elected?

The responsible people of Jamaa‘atul Muslimeen join and elect unanimously the principal Ameer. The principal Ameer appoints a sub-Ameer in every territory, district, town and village of the state. Thus Muslims maintain the administration of the state. This is the right way of election. This saves not only money of the state, but also people from being exploited and cheated. Since the principal Ameer and his sub-Ameers have to exercise the authority according to the Law of Allah, so there is no fear of any kind of injustice, tyranny, oppression, corruption and exploitation.

Islam does not allow Muslims to form an opposition party. For, this divides Muslims into groups and creates hatred, enmity, prejudice, fight, quarrel etc. among Muslims. Moreover, Islam does not allow any Muslim to rebel against the principal Ameer. Allah’s Messenger said: -

1)      “It is obligatory on every Muslim to hear and obey (the Ameer) both in that he likes and in that he dislikes (if what the Ameer says is Ma‘roof).” (Saheeh Muslim)

2)      “No obedience in wrong things. Obedience is in Ma’roof (right and good).” (Saheeh Bukhari and Saheeh Muslim)

3)      “The one, who sees something that the one dislikes in the Ameer, should tolerate it. Because the person who gets out of the Jamaa‘at even to the extent of a foot and dies, he dies the death of ignorance.” (Saheeh Bukhari and Saheeh Muslim)

On contrary, Islam gives the right of reasonable and intellectual criticism to each and every Muslim irrespective of sex, social status, region, race, age, qualification, et cetera.

 The Qualification for Ameer

The following are the qualities that are considered while electing an Ameer:

1)      He must be a Muslim and Momin (the one who fulfills all the demands of Imaan).

2)      He must not be eager to become an Ameer.

3)      He must be free from big sins.

4)      He must be scholar of Islam, judicious, wise, realistic, practical, capable, brave and bold.

5)      He must be found responsible person in his personal, professional and familial lives.

6)      He must have the qualities like patience, perseverance, truthfulness and constructive and productive thinking, et cetera.

7)   He must be far from the destructive and harmful thinking and attitude.

Modern Muslim Countries

Today, Muslims have so many countries in their hands, yet they are so weak that no one listens to them, no one cares for them and no one considers them at all though, in population, they are at the second position in the world. Why are they so neglected, today? They are being killed, suppressed and tortured, why? Why are they so feeble today that they are not even able to defend themselves? The answer is clear. They did not follow the Islamic concept of community. They are divided not only on the basis of the different schools of thought, but also on the basis of region, race, language and colour. Allah had told Muslims some fourteen centuries ago in the Quraan: “And obey Allah and His Messenger; and don’t fall in disputes, lest you become coward and your power departs. And be patient and persevering, for Allah is with those who patiently persevere.” (8: 46)

The then Muslims had followed Allah and His Messenger, had become the then super power, and had ruled the world. But, today, most of Muslims disobey Allah and His Messenger. So, they have been humiliated. The necessity is of unity that can be attained only if all Muslims turn to the Sources of Islam and submit themselves to Islam. Allah says: “Turn you to your Lord and submit to Him, before the chastisement comes on you. After that you shall not be helped.” (59: 54)

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © NOORUL HUSSAIN K. 2004