Principles of the Islamic Political System: Selecting a Ruler

With the rise of Islamist political groups to power in a number of countries across the Middle East and North Africa, it is important to understand the basics of the political ideology behind these groups. In this article, I will touch up on a few principles of the Islamic political system.

The Basis for the Necessity of a Ruler:

Perhaps one of the most famous historical Islamic scholars who wrote on the Islamic political system, El-Mawerdy, he addressed the issue of the need for a ruler. In his famous book, “The Ordinances of Government” (“Al-Ahkam Al-Sultaniya”), he mentions that there are two main categories of reasons for a ruler. The first of these categories is the logical necessity, being that people cannot live in a society without there being a ruler who can protect the people from injustice and anarchy. The second category is related to Islamic teachings. The primary source El-Mawerdy mentions as proof of the religious commandment for there to be a ruler for the people is verse 59 of Surat Al-Nisaa which (translated) reads:

“O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority [Olee elAmr] among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if ye do believe in Allah and the Last Day: That is best, and most suitable for final determination.”

Based on this verse, El-Mawerdy states that the Islamic law delegates authority to the ruler, or “Olee elAmr”.

The Bai’ah:

The bai’ah, or the pledge of allegiance, has historically been the true basis upon which the ruler’s authority is seen as legitimate by the people. The bai’ah is taken by “ahl elhal w el’aqd,” influential figures of public authority, upon inaugurating a new ruler. Even when monarchial rulers were present, the heir to the throne was obliged to receive the bai’ah from the people in order to gain legitimacy.

Traits of a Proper Ruler:

A number of Muslim scholars who addressed the issue of the political system and rule of law have addressed the main traits that a ruler must have. El-Mawerdy listed the following 7 factors that a ruler must have:

1. Justice as agreed upon (by the scholars of Islam) [understanding and practicing what is right and forbidding and avoiding that which is prohibited].
2. Knowledge that leads to good judgment and decision-making.
3. Free of defects in his senses of hearing, sight, and his tongue.
4. Free of physical defects or deformities that may hinder movement.
5. Wisdom and proper opinion that aids him in guiding his subjects and managing the people’s interests.
6. Bravery and courage that aid in protecting the interior and fighting the enemy.
7. Proper lineage (a number of scholars have mentioned that the caliph must be from the lineage of Quraish, but we are not currently addressing the concept of the caliphate).

The late contemporary scholar ‘Abd El’Aziz Ezzat ElKhayyat, formed a list of 8 factors which he mentioned in his book “The Political System in Islam” (Al-Nezam AlSiyasy fe El-Islam) :

1. Islam (He must be a Muslim. This factor was probably unquestionable during the time of ElMawerdy, and therefore was not worth mentioning in his time.)
2. Masculinity (Prior to ElMawerdy’s death, no female had taken a position of authority, so this may have been overlooked.)
3. Justice (ElMawerdy’s first factor).
4. Knowledge (ElMawerdy’s second factor).
5. The ability to lead and guide.
6. Senses and body free of deformities and defects.
7. Proper lineage (The Quraish factor).
8. The fitter choice (If any other individual is found to be more fit for the position of a ruler, than he should be chosen).

About the author

View the Original article