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The Islamic Framework For Choosing A Ruler: Insights From The Quran

By Editor on 3rd April 2018 • ( 0 )

The Islamic Framework For Choosing A Ruler: Insights From The Quran

In the name of Allah, the most Benevolent and most Merciful

1) Islam, the eternal religion of Allah ((SWT)

The realm of Allah’s kingdom is so vast that the whole unlimited universe, including the universe inside the human body is governed by the Single Set of laws containing the enormous Knowledge and Wisdom of the Supreme Ruler. These laws that govern the unlimited universe are called Islam

In 3^rd surah Aal–e- Imran, verse 19, Allah Aleem ul Hakeem says:

“The Religion, of Allah is Islam!”

These laws of Islam completely cover all states of human existence (Aalameen) and teach them the co-existence with:

(1) Their Self.
(2) The Universe around them.
(3) The Scriptures of their Supreme Creator.

This creates the kind of universal peace and harmony for which Islam is rightly known as “The Religion of Peace.”

Allah, Rabb-ul-Alameen kept on influencing human society through Holy Prophets and their Holy Books, dictated by Holy Revelations (wahee), till the last Holy Messenger Muhammad (PBUH) and his Glorious Quran.

2) Quran being the book of universal guidance for the whole mankind: –

a) Huden lil Nass: “the Quran, a guidance for the people.” (Quran 2:185)
b) The Noor: “There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book.” (Quran 5:15)
c) The Rehmat: “So there has [now] come to you a clear evidence from your Lord and a guidance and mercy.” (Quran 6:157)
d) The Imam: “… a guide and a mercy.” (Quran 11:17)

The Imam keeps on showering its truth as revealed by Allah (SWT) for anyone who would follow Allah and His Messenger PBUH through the crystal-clear verses of Allah’s book, Quran.

3) The Muslim

Anyone who accepts Allah as Rabb un-Nass, Ilah un-Nass and Malik un-Nass from the core of his heart and submits himself and everything under his jurisdiction, to ISLAM the Universal Command of Allah Rubb ul Alameen, has the right to proudly declare himself a MUSLIM; the name given to him by Holy Prophet ABRAHAM (AS). In 22^nd surah AL_HAJJ: verse 78, Allah (SWT) says:-

“And strive for ALLAH with the deserving endeavour. He is the One who has not laid upon you any hardship in religion. The religion of your forefather ABRAHAM (AS) who named you AL-MUSLAMEEN” (Quran 22:78)

A ruling statement is made for whole mankind to eliminate any discrimination based on colour, creed, language, nation or wealth.

Allah (SWT) says:-
“O you mankind! We have created you Male and Female; and made you Nations and Tribes so that you may recognize each other. But the Noblest among you is the one who leads in Taqwa (piety). Verily Allah is Knowledgeable and Aware.” (Quran 49: 13)
Who is more Muttaqi (pious) and who is less Muttaqi amongst human beings, can only be recognized by Allah (SWT). No Moumin (believer) can claim himself as
According to Surah 53, AL NAJEM, verse 32:-
“Do not claim to be Zaki (pure from sins). Only Allah knows, who is the most Muttaqi (pious) amongst you.
From the above two verses, one can understand that it is not easy for human beings to find out who is the most pious amongst them. All we can do is to make sure that the person in view, has no visible signs of sinful behaviour.
There could be many people who appear to possess the quality of Taqwa, but all of them cannot be made the ruler. Only one would become the ruler. Who is the most Muttaqi amongst them is not possible for any human being to determine.
Therefore, to choose a ruler amongst the people, there must be some other visible measurable criteria besides the supreme quality of Taqwa.

4)-Qualities for a ruler in Quran

There is not a single tribe, clan or a nation on this Earth which does not have a Ruler or a Chief to manage their affairs. They all have well defined rules to select, appoint or elect their rulers. The systems and methods are as good and bad as the character and capability of those who create and apply those rules.

To protect the dignity, respect, life and property of all human, Islam has laid down guiding principles in every walk of life. Islam is a way of life, not a ritualistic form of religion.

Quran, the written code of Islamic Guidance has clearly defined the criteria about the physical, intellectual and moral fabric of the person who is fit to lead and rule over other people.

I–THE ONLY TRUE RULER

As per last surah number 114 of Quran-ul-Hakeem, the Malik-un-Naas (The Supreme ruler of entire mankind) could only be that Knowledgeable and Wise, who is not only the Rabb-un-Naas (the Creator, Provider and Sustainer of mankind) as well as the Ilah-un-Naas (The Only Worthy of Obedience, God of Mankind).

The kingdom of this Glorious Ruler is firmly established over time and space of the unlimited universe. He is every where from ever to ever, the sole Creator of life and death and He Himself can never die. Therefore, He the Supreme Lord of the Universe, needs no Heir, no Children and no Caliph to take His place.

Adam was not created a Caliph of GOD (because ALLAH (SWT) has not called anyone as His Caliph in the Quran). Wherever word “Caliph” is used, it is either used for a nation or a person that becomes a replacement to fill the empty place of the one who is gone, and Allah (SWT) goes nowhere, He is everywhere. Adam was created a replacement (Caliph) for the man like species called Hominids that lived on this earth millions of years ago, and vanished, may be like dinosaurs. The question by Angels to God (Quran 2:30), regarding the creation of Adam, was based upon, poor record of the past species.

23^rd surah Al–Mouminoon, verse 116 of Quran says: –

“So, exalted be ALLAH The True Ruler. There is no other God but ALLAH, The Lord of the Gracious Position of Supreme Authority.

95^th Surah Al–Teen (The Fig), verse 8, Quran says:

“Is not ALLAH the SUPREME RULER over all Rulers.”

سروَری زیبا فقط اُس ذاتِ بے ہمتا کو ہے
حُکمراں ہے اک وہی، باقی بُتانِ آزری

“Sarwari zaiba feqat, uss “zaat-e- be’himta” ko hai
hukmaran hai ik wuhi, baqi butan–e-aazeri”
(Dr. Allama Iqbal)

II _ THE IMPOSTER RULERS

Those who try to establish their own kingdoms on Allah’s Earth and desire to get themselves widely accepted by their subjects; they must fake these three essentials of a rightful ruler Being a {(1) Rabb (2) Ilah (3) Malik.}

A-To Become Rabb-un-Naas:

They forcefully accumulate the wealth of this Earth in their treasuries and place all the Financial Institutions under their control, so that they can act like “Rabb un-Naas” to strengthen their position:
They reward their supporters with the falsely accumulated wealth and create a Wealthy Elite Club called “Mela’e” in Quranic terms.
They also raise armies to crush their opponents.
They expand their territories to accumulate more wealth, which then leads to bigger armies, which means more territory. So, more wealth, even bigger armies, a vicious cycle of evil becomes such a popular culture that according to Quran ul Hakeem: Surah 6: Al-Annam: Verse:123/124; “Even in the Smallest Qariyas (villages), due to the options available their CHEIFS commit crimes in the same localities and thus use cunning ways there to grab more and more power.”
This continues until their ultimate doom. These Power Addicts have no better use of this money except to indulge in a life of lust and wasteful evil desires; and to build Pyramids and Taj Mahals to their own Glory – For them, ALLAH IS AKBAR no more.

B – To Become Ilah-un-Naas:

Using such wealth and power, these imposters hire/appoint religious scholars and religious judges to mould the noble religious institution to suit their immoral, unethical, luxurious lives full of sin and vices.
Then by using the power of their wealth and self-made religion, they try to prolong the rule of their dynasties.
The imposter rulers start acting like “Ilah un-Naas” and through their appointed ministers, scholars and judges make their subjects stupidly believe that: the rulers are “Ilah-un-Nass”, If nothing more, at least (Zill-e-Subhani), the Shadow of God!
This creates such a miserable situation for a common man that only someone with the moral strength of a True Follower of The Prophet of God (PBUH), with the Knowledge and Wisdom of The Book of Allah can challenge such a wide spread Zulm (atrocity). The Tragedy of Karbala will remain the eternal lighthouse of such courageous accomplishments.

All rulers like Nimrud, Pharaohs, Yazids, and dynasties after dynasties with their so-called deformed laws kept on falling in the same category of Imposter Rulers. (Check the Quran for the fate of such Imposters).

See the typical pattern followed by the Rulers fighting each other to compete for being the Biggest Imposter Ruler till today. (I will let the readers count the exceptions on their fingers) Allama Iqbal says:

موسی و فرعون و شبیر و یزید

این دو قوت از حیات آید پدید

“Musa (AS) o Firoun o Shabbir (AS) o Yazeed
Een dou quwatt az hayat ayad padeed!”
(Dr. Allama Iqbal)

III – EXAMPLES OF TRUE HUMAN RULERS IN QURAN.

Now let us ask Quran to shed some light on this subject and guide us about these qualities. We shall put down only the main verses first and then make a note of all the specific qualities of a ruler one by one from these verses.

A – Appointment of Haroon (AS) as vizier and caliph by Moses (AS)

Quran 20^th Surah TAHAA, Verses 29 – 36:

Moses (AS) asked ALLAH (SWT: “O! my Lord! Appoint for me a vizier from my family. (20:29) Haroon my brother (20:30) Strengthen my back by him. (20:31) And make him an associate in my affairs. (20:32) So that we may glorify you abundantly (20:33) And remember you abundantly (20:34) Surely you are seeing us.” (20:35) ALLAH said, “I have granted your prayer O! Moses!” (20:36)

Quran 7^th Surah AL ARAAF, Verse:142

“And We made an appointment with Moses (AS) for thirty nights and by adding ten more, his LORD completed it to forty nights. Moses (AS) asked his brother Haroon (AS), “Take over as my Caliph in my people (Qoum), keep them right and do not follow the way of mischief makers.”

Quran 20^th Surah, TAHAA, Verses 83 – 86

Allah said, “O! Moses! What made you hasten to come here from your people?” (20:83). Moses said, “They are close on my track and I hastened to come to you O My LORD! so that you may be well pleased with me. (20:84). ALLAH said, “In your absence, we put your people in a trial and Saamri has led them astray.” (20: 85) Moses (AS) returned to his people angry and sad. (20:86)

Surah 20: TAHAA, Verses 90 – 94

Although Haroon (AS) had told them earlier: “O my people! verily you are being put into a test by this. Your LORD is AL REHMAN therefore follow me and obey my command.” (20: 90). They said, “We shall by no means cease to worship this until Moses returns to us” (20:91). Moses (AS) asked Haroon (AS) When you saw them go astray, what stopped you to follow me? Have you not then disobeyed my command?” (20:92,93). Haroon (AS) said, “O my mother’s son! please do not seize me by my beard nor my head. I was afraid that you may say: “You have caused Division among the children of Israel and you did not follow my word”. (20:94)

The return of Moses (AS) has been narrated with little bit more detail in: 7^th Surah, AL ARAAF, Verses: 150 – 151:

When Moses (AS) returned to his people angry and sad, He blamed that it is bad the way you have been my Caliph in my absence. Did you want to rush the command of ALLAH? He threw aside the Tablets, held his brother by his head and dragged him towards him. He requested, “My mother’s son! My people considered me week and they were about to kill me, so please do not let my enemies rejoice and do not count me with these sinful people. (7:150) Then Moses (AS) prayed to ALLAH, “O my LORD! forgive me and my brother and admit us both to your Mercy. You are Most Merciful of the Merciful.” (7:151)”

B- Appointment of Talut (AS) as a ruler!

AL-QURAAN, 2^nd SURAH AL-BAQARAH, VERSES: 246- 252.

(Verse 2: 246) “: Have you not seen the chiefs of Bani Israel after Moses (AS) when they asked their Prophet (Nabi) (AS): – Appoint for us a king (Malik), so that, we may fight with arms (qitaal) in the way of Allah (Sabeel Allah)”. He replied, “It is quite likely that if qitaal is ordained upon you then you would not fight. “They said, “Why should we not fight in the way of Allah, when we have been driven out from our homes and our children.” — Yet when Qitaal was ordained upon them, except for only few, they all turned their backs. Allah very well knows, who are the unjust cruel (Zalimeen).

(Verse 2:247): Their Prophet (Nabi. (AS)) said to them, “Verily, Allah has appointed Talut (Saul) as a king over you.” –They raised the objection, “How can he be a king over us? when we have a greater right to be the kings; He does not have the ABUNDANCE OF WEALTH”? The Nabi (AS) replied: – This is Allah who has chosen him over you because He is SUPERIOR than you in having abundance of Knowledge and Physical Strength. And (this is how) Allah grants His Kingdom to whom He wishes. Allah is Omniscient, All-Knowing.”

(Verse 2:248) Their Nabi also said, “Further proof of his kingship is that the Angels (Malaaika) shall carry unto you a chest and therein shall be a source of tranquillity for you from your Lord God, the left behind Relics of Aal-e-Musa and Aal-e-Haroon. Verily in this there is a visible proof (ayat) for you if you are Moumineen.

(Verse 2:249) So, when Talut (Saul) marched out with his army, he said, “Verily Allah will test you by a stream. Whosoever drinks out of its water, he is not of my lot; and whoever does not drink out of it, he is certainly of me; except the one who tastes this water only as much as in a hand cup”. Yet except for a very few, most of them drank out of it. And when He and other believers with him crossed on other side. They said to him, “We do not have any strength left in us today to face Jalut (Goliath) and his army.” But those who were sure that they will meet Allah (SWT) said, “How often by the help Allah a small army has overpowered a large army. Allah is with those who remain steadfast.”

(Verse 2:250) And when they faced Jalut (Goliath) and his army, they prayed, “O! our Lord God! Bestow upon us the perseverance and make our foot hold strong and help us against the nation of unbelievers.”

(Verse 2:251) So, they defeated them with the help of Allah and Dawood (AS) killed Jalut (Goliath).

C – Appointment of Prophet David (AS) as a ruler

ALLAH (SWT) then blessed Dawood (AS) with kingdom and Wisdom and taught him whatever Allah thought appropriate.

If it were not for ALLAH (SWT) to repel some people by other people, then this earth would be filled with riots. But ALLAH (SWT) is Gracious over all states of creation.

Quran 38th Surah, SAAD, Verse: 26

“O! Dawood! verily we have appointed you a Caliph on this Earth (In place of Talut) so rule amongst people with justice and do not follow vain desires, lest it leads you astray from the path of ALLAH”.

Summary of the qualities of a ruler in Islam!

People ask the Prophet (AS) to appoint a ruler. They do not elect or select their own ruler. (2:246)
The purpose of appointment is to lead in the way of Allah (SWT). (2:246)
If he must lead in Qitaal then it must be for a justifiable reason like somebody drives you and your children out of your homes. (2:246)
Prophet (AS) appoints him under the advice of Allah (SWT) (2:247)
Even if all the chiefs may object to his appointment, due to his poverty or they might be ignorant or jealous of his talent (2:247)
Allah appoints him a ruler because he is highest in Taqwa. He desires a status of being Imam Ul Muttaqeen. (49:13 / 25:74)
He has the highest level of knowledge. (2:247)
He is the strongest person in battle. (2:247)
To clear the objections of his opponents from within, Allah (SWT) even sends Tabarrekat (relics) of Aal-e-Musa (Moses) (AS) and Aal-e-Haroon (AS). (Please note that the verse is not talking about Tabarrekat of Moses (AS) and Haroon (AS). For Moumineen this is enough of a proof). (2:248)
Even after his selection, majority might remain disobedient to Him. (2:249)
If he leads a battle when majority of followers disobey him, with the help of Allah and few steadfast followers he has the faith and moral strength to face a bigger army and lead them to victory. (2:250)
People of highest stature like Dawood (AS) (not appointed a Prophet yet) may serve in his army. (2:251)
When Allah appoints someone a king on the above basis then Allah gives him the WISDOM and all other QUALITIES required to rule. (2:251)
He rules amongst people with justice. (38:26)
He does not follow any vain desires. (38:26)
He cannot be lead astray from the path of Allah. (38:26)
He is the nearest family member of the prophet. Like Haroon (AS) was to Moses (AS). (20:29-32)
He had always been Prophet’s vizier. (20:29-32)
He had always been the strength of the Prophet’s back. (20:29-32)
Prophet appoints him to take over as his caliph after him. (7:142)
Prophet instructs the caliph to lead the people on right path. (7:142)
Prophet advises his caliph not to follow the path of “Mufsideen” (corrupt people who commit great crimes and sins, oppressors, tyrants, mischief-makers). (7:142)
After the prophet, when people go astray and do not listen to him, he keeps on trying to convince them without causing bloodshed (Fisad). He was advised not to follow the path of Mufsideen. (20:90)
He is always afraid to be a cause of division (Tafarraqa) or bloodshed (Fisad) amongst his people (20:94)
He follows the word of the Prophet under all circumstances. (20:94)
He remains steadfast on the path guided by the Holy Prophet even if he is found weak by his people and they threaten to kill him. (7:150)

Note by the author:

The purpose of this study is not to trigger any kind of sectarian debate.

Therefore, no names of our past and present Islamic Period have been given. Simply the qualities and criteria for a Muslim Ruler, as detailed by Quran ul Hakeem are referred.

If these references are used wisely as a yardstick for selection or election of any person of authority, then the political system of ISLAM as given by QURAN will certainly be accepted as the best political system on this Earth.

With All my prayers for Mankind on this most dangerous planet.