Report on Islamic Governance of Madinah after Hijrah

The purpose of this essay is to look upon the system of government of Ma Dinah after Hijab. The political system of Islam is first comprehensive democratic system in history. This essay will consider the system of Dinah, its political and social system. It will also explore the salient features of Dinah's constitution, political process, role of common public in political process, some examples of electoral processes in Dinah, the vision and policies of Prophet, the role of caliphs and post caliphate system. It will also compare the original Islamic system with modern western constitutions and the political systems of Islamic countries. At the end this essay will prescribe some remedies and solutions to preserve and follow the original principles of Islam.

The Qur’ān says:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ أَطِيعُواْ اللّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ الرَّسُولَ وَأُوْلِيالأَمْرِ مِنكُمْ

“Obey Allah, obey the Prophet and obey those in authority among you.” [1]

The main centers of Islamic regulation are the arguments and directions of God as explained in the Qur’ān, the maxims and teachings of the Prophet and the decisions of governmental and spiritual leaders. The original source of guidance is Quran and the life and teachings of prophet for all Muslims as well as non-Muslims. Islam is not only for Muslims but for whole world. The Holy Quran is the main criteria through which humans can manage their life. However, to follow the teachings of prophet is very difficult for normal Muslim. There is need to choose people who have knowledge and character to guide common people according to the teachings of Islam. It is claimed by Prophet, that after me anyone who choose by people will be your caliph, he will be respectable for you and you have to follow him. [2] So the holy Quran, teachings and life of prophet and caliphs are the main sources of guidance for humanity.

Shura: Consultation and the Adaptability of Islamic Law

The word shūrā, is used in Islamic law and political system. It is used for the rule in. It has two senses in Islamic governance,

The first is the Shūrā,. It means the process of electing people for ruling. In this process the people decide about their leader so basically it is the process of election.

The second is (al-majlis ash-shūrā) which is consisted on body of people who manages the system of state with ruler. Basically it is the advisory board consisting on the group of competent people who could understand the matters of state and structure of society. This shura selects the ruler. Likewise, it is the way to agree his choices. Basically the purpose of this scheme is consultation. Since the consultation is mandatory and vital element in any countries’ political system this group plays significant role in countries’ structure. The advice-giving panel which recommends the ruler, is a assembly of chosen specialists. The job of this body to examine the policies and supervise the whole structural process.  The purpose of this group is to look after the rights of people and take proper steps to prevent any injustice. They needed to be conscious of disparities within social, and cultural values. This structure is similar to the modern world structure of local, federal and provisional levels. All things are completely organized in systematic way.  Everything that effects human life including law falls under the control of the ruler.

This system is not authoritative or dictatorship. The ruler cannot be ruled according to his or her own without the people’s choice. The Prophet (s) forbidden the ruler to use authority which he does not deserve. It is mandatory for him to follow a law. The governing body confirms these all credentials. So it is the purpose of this governing body to ensure every essential criterion because everybody cannot be a ruler. There are many pre-requisites for anyone being a leader.

The major step in any political system is legislation and legal frameworks.

It is the work of the Dār al-Iftā, the Center for Legal Rulings, to establish new legislation to fulfill upcoming needs. The prophet does not allow that the ruler to establish the new laws without the consultation of legal bodies and people. Every law can be established in order to fulfill the needs of people. the Madinah city was nor included only on Muslim community but also on non-Muslims. So the purpose of this consultation process is to preserve the rights of minorities. As already explained the laws and legislation are formed according to the wishes, needs and requirements of the people, the legal institution was bounded to ensure the interests of all communities and tribes. Difference of opinion is reality, so during decision making the consider point of view of every individual is important. So the discussion and voting system is inevitable to propose legislation.

Democracy of Islamic governance of Madinah after Hijrah

If we study the history of Islam, then one can easily understand that it is democratic religion through proper participation of people in political process and involvement of hurrahs in all state matters. In this process people sit together, discuss all the state matters and make consensus. Following this original process, in Afghanistan the people select legislatures and members through same process. This process is very close to the real Islamic system.  The Azhar scholar Dr. Abū Zahrā said:

The Prophet (s) never said any word about his successor. After the death of prophet, the process of electing the next successor completed after many discussions and disagreements and finally they choose Abu Bakar Siddiq as next ruler. [3] The reason of this silence was the democratic. He himself did not want to choose his successor. He wanted his people to themselves decide about their future leader. This silence is the symbol of wisdom and vision of prophet.

There were disagreements on the selection of new leader but those disagreements late sort out through proper discussion. Basically the disagreements were found between the three groups.

The first group was the Ansar, the supporters of prophet in Madina who wanted to choose their own leader because they think that they support prophet after his immigration. The second group commanded by Abū Bakar and Umar thought that the migrants (Muhājirūn) who came with the Prophet (s) to Madinah should elected because they embraced Islam at beginning. The third group wanted Ali to rule because he has very strong family relationships with the prophet.

These disagreements were settled down after discussion and they selected Abu Bakar as leader. It was the decision of Shura after complete consensus. This process was completely democratic.    This selection was not mandatory to everyone to accept it. If some group did not agree with this process, they can form the opposition party. After that the judge listen both parties and decided according to the validity of their claims. Then the decisions were formed with full consultation. Prophet allied same method. He gathered his companions and discuss every aspect and then they decide what to do. Prophet discussed all aspects especially in wars with his shura. During the wars many conflicts and problems emerged which were debatable. Prophet settled down all problems and manage the whole strategies of wars with consultation.

Umar, the second caliph followed the same tradition. He said, “Whoever is chosen by the people after me will be the caliph, and you people must listen to him and obey him.” [4].

The Constitution of Madinah

The Madinah’s system was established according to the pure democratic rules. The Prophet (s) became the ruler of city after the consultation. After that he established a mandatory social contract, a treaty signed by all the ethnic leaders naming Muhammad (s) as the leader, and launching laws obligatory the tribes to collaboration, support in protection of the city, and the defense of its people. This constitution includes the full right of minorities, to safe the rights of people, and be sincere with the city and government.

This text, The Constitution of Madinah, begins the status of agreement and collaboration for supremacy in Islam. According to this pact, every human being is equal regardless of his or her religion, cast, culture and creed. Everyone has same rights in Madinah. This lengthy document is the basis for ideal state which is still practiced in modern world having complete harmony among society. Some non- Muslims were denied to accept prophet as their leader but they signed the pact because they knew that this pact could create an ideal society. The concept of free speech, freedom of religion, rights of property, collection of taxes and rights of security are the main components of modern democracies and political system. The roots of these notions can be founded in first Islamic constitution.

The Model City of Islamic governance of Madinah after Hijrah

This system was flourished in every field including agriculture, economics, law and industry. The periods of prophet and his caliphs were the most successful periods in Muslim history. Abbasid’s period started after the era of caliphs.in this period Muslims done considerable contribution in academic field. The thinkers and philosophers made massive impact on world’s academic environment. The people like Ibn E Rushed, Al Farabi and Ibn E Sina have lasted massive impact in the field of education. They revived the teachings of Greeks and reconcile them with Islamic principles. They translated the books of Greek philosophers in their native language and further write new books on religion, philosophy and science.

The main tenants of constitution are, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of trade, system of taxation, follow the law and many other formations which all are the core components of modern democracies. Since Holy Quran regards Islam as a way of life, so it covers every dimension of human life. So this whole system has been source of inspiration for modern politics.

Politics in the Muslim World Islamic governance of Madinah after Hijrah

The political system in the tribal places of the Arabian Peninsula, the Islamic politics initially comprised localized, tribal organizations of government. Parallel to the rule of the caliph, who make the organization of Islam as a legacy from the Prophet (s), every tribe governed itself within a limited land. They live according to the benefits of local interests and welfares. They follow the interest of local people and their communities.

With the start of European establishment, western political system – especially the idea of monarchic rule – were unequally accepted in numerous parts of the Muslim polity. These European nations fought with each other to ensure their own interests. The countries like England, Italy, France and Netherland continued to compete with each other. During this competition they took hold on many Muslim states. With the emergence of these states the concept of dynasty and monarchy flourished in Muslim world. The influence of European countries was extreme on Muslim especially Arabic world. It is evident in modern world the system of democracy is mostly followed but in many Arabic countries the system of monarchy is still practiced. The major examples of monarchy are Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, Oman, morocco, and many other gulf states.

Nowadays, Muslim countries are inclining to the democratic principles embodied in Islam’s original political structure. Unfortunately, tribal leaders have clash with the democratic system like parliamentary system. They don’t want to accept the modern political notions and political system. Basically they are against the all modern ideals. They do not want to be coherent with the requirements of modern world. There is still limited range of countries and tribes who are still living in old age. Shaykh Ahmad al-Jurjawi said:

“The main quality of true Muslim is to strictly follow the rules of Islam. Islam is the religion rules, principles and values. Unfortunately, the Islamic principles are only discussed in academic environment and in public meetings. The limited number of people follow and understand the real message of Islam. [27]

The Azhar scholar, Dr. Abu Zahra, says:

There is strong need to examine the clashes over political ideals. These political differences further emerge in Islamic law schools. To mix up the political and religious principles is not wise and it is manipulation with religion. The exploitation of religion on the name of politics is major problem in today’s world.

The system of democracy which is practiced in traditional Islam is for the political top to rule, whereas others are trusted with government, in discussion with valued memberships of the public. In fact, the notions of freedom written in the US Bill of Rights are found in civil liberties in Islam, counting freedom of speech and the equality of men and women. West introduces the concept of equality two hundred years ago but Islam prescribe this concept almost fifteen hundred years ago. The dominant values of justice and loyalty with the statesmen and country further strengthen democratic principles.

Conclusion on Islamic governance of Madinah after Hijrah

American Muslims are living in perfect condition to encourage Muslim and Arab countries to the renewal of Islamic elected schemes. In America many principles are followed which are the core foundations of Islam. The concept of freedom of speech, freedom of religion and participation in political system are the main components of Islam law and constitution. Islam encourages the full participation in political system, the process of taxation, enforced the law and take care of the interests of people. Same principles are following in mostly western world as well as in Muslim worlds.

Here, the system does not stop anybody from rising in political rank, but keeps political participation and changes should be through the will of people. So the Muslims in all over the world participate in political system. Now European parliaments have reasonable strength of Muslim members. So, as Muslims in all over the world start to partake keenly in the political process, they will certainly develop themselves as role models for Muslims. Although this is time taking activity and it requires long period to make their influence but it must be continued. America and western countries took two hundred years to convert in new system of modern democracy. So it is very difficult to immediately applied in Muslim world. It is not impossible but it will take some time but can be applicable.

The need of political change is highly required in Arabic world. Muslim could better understand the rules and laws of Madinah’s constitution. The problem and misconception starts after the fifty years of prophet’s death; the democratic system was converted in monarchy. This concept is not originally the Islamic concept. As the essay already explained the democratic nature of political system of Islam, there is no space for monarchy.

Unfortunately, the Arabic countries are working for their personal benefits. The major problem has been emerging between and Saudi Arabia is on sectarianism. Both countries are supporting different sects and creating problems for whole regions. Some western countries are also involved in this process. This clash should be settle down with proper dialogue. They all should work for collective benefits of the region. The organizations like OIC can play very significant role to settle down these disputes. To preserve the actual spirit of Islam there is need to eliminate all conflicts and move forward for collective Muslim success and harmony in every field.

References of Islamic governance of Madinah after Hijrah

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