Islamic basis for a theory of government?
The Islamic basis for a theory of government can be derived from several verses in the Qur'an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. A key verse that outlines the responsibilities of those in power is found in Surah Al-Hajj, which states: Those who, if We give them power in the land, establish worship and pay the poor-due and enjoin kindness and forbid iniquity. And Allah's is the sequel of events.
22:41. This verse emphasizes the importance of establishing justice, worship, and social welfare as fundamental responsibilities of a government.
Furthermore, the Qur'an also instructs believers to obey Allah, the Messenger, and those in authority among them, as stated in Surah An-Nisaa: O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the messenger and those of you who are in authority; and if ye have a dispute concerning any matter, refer it to Allah and the messenger if ye are (in truth) believers in Allah and the Last Day. That is better and more seemly in the end.
4:59. This verse highlights the need for governance that is aligned with divine guidance and accountability to Allah.
In addition to these verses, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reinforced the importance of obedience to just rulers. He said: Whoever obeys me has obeyed Allah, and whoever disobeys me has disobeyed Allah. Whoever obeys the ruler has obeyed me, and whoever disobeys the ruler has disobeyed me.
Sahih al-Bukhari 56:168. This teaching underscores the connection between obedience to leadership and adherence to Islamic principles.
Overall, the framework for governance in Islam is built on the principles of justice, accountability, and the promotion of social welfare, as guided by both the Qur'an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Sources
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22:41 · Al-Hajj
22:41 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
ٱلَّذِينَ إِن مَّكَّنَّٰهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ أَقَامُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتَوُا۟ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَأَمَرُوا۟ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ وَنَهَوْا۟ عَنِ ٱلْمُنكَرِ ۗ وَلِلَّهِ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلْأُمُورِ
Those who, if We give them power in the land, establish worship and pay the poor-due and enjoin kindness and forbid iniquity. And Allah's is the sequel of events.
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4:59 · An-Nisaa
4:59 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ أَطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا۟ ٱلرَّسُولَ وَأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَمْرِ مِنكُمْ ۖ فَإِن تَنَٰزَعْتُمْ فِى شَىْءٍۢ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَٱلرَّسُولِ إِن كُنتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلْءَاخِرِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌۭ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلًا
O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the messenger and those of you who are in authority; and if ye have a dispute concerning any matter, refer it to Allah and the messenger if ye are (in truth) believers in Allah and the Last Day. That is better and more seemly in the end.
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Sahih al-Bukhari 56:168
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 56, Hadith 168
Through the same chain: Whoever obeys me has obeyed Allah, and whoever disobeys me has disobeyed Allah. Whoever obeys the ruler has obeyed me, and whoever disobeys the ruler has disobeyed me. The Imam is a shield; the people fight behind him and take refuge with him. If he commands to fear Allah and act justly, there is reward for that, but if he commands otherwise, the sin is upon him.
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