ISLAM’S RESPONSE TO CONTEMPORARY ISSUES Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifa4 Rehm’Allah talla

1. ISLAM’S RESPONSE TO CONTEMPORARY ISSUESHazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifa4Rehm’Allah talla Prepared by Dr Shakeel Ahmad, National Tabligh Team, UK

2. ISLAM’S RESPONSE TO CONTEMPORARY ISSUES Chapter wise seminars: 1. Inter-religious peace 2. Social peace 3. Economic peace 4. Political peace 5. Individual peace

3. POLITICAL PEACE

4. Current World Political Situation • Dissatisfaction - Lack of basic needs – food, clothing, shelter - Lack of fundamental rights eg of opinion • Leading to protests – strikes – wars • Some pockets of good • Overall lack of Political Peace

5. Political Systems mentioned in Quran - 1 • Tribalism – self governance of clans 49:14 We have created you from a male & a female, we have made you into tribes & sub-tribes for the sake of easy recognition. Verily the most honourable among you in the sight of Allah is one who is most righteous among you. Surely Allah is all knowing, all aware. • Feudalism - ownership 59:8 Whatever Allah has given to His messenger as spoils from the people of the towns is for Allah & for the messenger & near of kin & orphans & needy & the wayfarer; that it may not circulate only among the rich (& resourceful). And whatever the messenger gives you, take it, whatsoever he forbids you, abstain from it. And fear Allah, surely Allah is severe in retribution. - Hadith – Each of you is like a shepherd to whom the sheep do not belong, (while he is entrusted with the responsibility to tend the sheep). You will be held answerable.

6. Political Systems mentioned in Quran - 2 • Monarchy – the selected ruler - mentioned repeatedly without condemnation 2:248 Their prophet said to them ‘Allah has appointed for you Talut as a king’ ….Allah bestows sovereignty upon whom He pleases. Allah is Lord of vast bounty and all knowing. 5:21 Call to mind when Moses said to his people ‘O my people, recall the favor that Allah bestowed upon you when He appointed prophets amongst you and made you kings & gave you that He had not given to any other people’ - not all kings are Divinely selected - notion misused by medieval Christianity - another type of sovereignty is about a prophet with Divine message 4:60 o Ye who believe, obey Allah and His messenger & those who are in authority among you. Then if you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah & His messenger if you are believers in Allah & His messenger & the Last Day. This is best & most commendable in the end.

7. Political Systems mentioned in Quran - 3 • Democracy – shared consultation 3:160 And consult them in matters of administration, & when thou art determined, then put thy trust (wholly) in Allah. Surely Allah loves those who put their trust in Him. 42:37-40 Whatever you have been given is a temporary provision of this life, but what is with Allah is better & more lasting for those who put their trust in their Lord. And those who eschew the graver sin and the indecencies& when they are wroth, they forgive. And those who hearken to their Lord & observe prayer & whose affairs are (administered) by mutual consultation and who spend out of whatever We have provided for them. And those who when a wrong is done them, defend themselves.

8. Islamic Political System…?1 • Is any one system an Islamic political system? - NO • No single system of governance has been prescribed in the Quran. Neither is a system condemned completely. • Universal religion - caters for all systems - different societies would need different systems. • Quran only emphasizes the principles on which the government should discharge itself.

9. Islamic Political System…? 2 • Islamic govt - free to choose the system • Democracy - preferred and commended Muslims - advised to elect their Govt democratically • Khalifa (and other Jamaat positions) - elected democratically • Quranic definition of democracy - not exactly as Western practice

10. Islamic Concept of Democracy - 1 Basic principles 1 - Democratic election must be based on trust & integrity 4:59 Verily Allah commands you to give trusts to those entitled, and that when you judge between them, judge with justice. Surely best is that with which Allah admonishes you 2 - Administration with consultation 3:160 And consult them in matters of administration, & when thou art determined, then put thy trust (wholly) in Allah. Surely Allah loves those who put their trust in Him. 3 - Govts must function on the principle of absolute justice 16:91 Indeed Allah requires you to abide by absolute justice, treat with kindness & give like the giving of kin to kin… • Elected by trust of integrity • Steps taken with mutual consultation • All decisions made with absolute justice Truly of the people, by the people & for the people

11. Islamic Concept of Democracy - 2 Western Style democracy • Voter - master of his vote; can vote for a puppet, use any criteria or even waste their vote • Choice made on superficial impression & self proclamation • Party politics distracts from individual role & responsibility • Consultation - politically and strategically biased • Influence of Capitalism • Corruption Islamic democracy • Voter - not the master of his vote - a trustee, responsible to God • Choice based on moral integrity of the candidate • No party politics - individual responsibility • Consultation - with those who are trustworthy • Moral integrity of the elected is a prevention against vested interest

12. Some further difficulties with Western Style democracy • Low polling turn out - elected govt as minority representation • Coalition govt - not a majority representation • Party members may vote on an issue for sake of party loyalty – vital decision passed as ‘democratic’, actually a minority decision • Majority choice may not be the best choice • If best choice imposed - non-democratic

13. Format of Islamic Government • Ultimate sovereignty belongs to God 23:117 Then exalted be Allah, the True King. There is no God but He, Lord of the glorious Throne. 27:63 or, Who responds to the call of an afflicted person & removes the affliction, & will make you inheritors of the earth? Then is there a god beside Allah? Little is it that you heed. • Shariah is the Will of God regarding legislation expressed inQuran & Traditions - Govt cannot interfere with the Shariah - No legislative process can go in contravention - Not imposed on non-Muslims • The format: - Allah is the ultimate Master of all resources and people - His Will is enacted by people’s trusted representatives ie the elected Govt - Govts have been given the principles & are answerable to Allah

14. State v Religion -1 • State v Religion interface: - absolute justice - to all citizens (incl those of other religious backgrounds) - not necessary to put all legislation under religious jurisdiction - religion does not need to be the predominant legislative authority - religious authority have duty to draw attention of the legislature towards moral issues - large part of moral education in each religion is common & can be integral to legislation - no compulsion in matters of faith - believer of any religion can practice under Islamic secular law - individual religious practice cannot be enforced as law - truth rather than individual religious practice, is to be promoted by the state

15. State v Religion - 2 • No contradiction between Word of God & Act of God • In Islam - Religion has no right to interfere in matters of state - State has no right to interfere in matters of religion Mathew 22:21 Then he said to them: Pay back, therefore, Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God Quran is in total agreement Statecraft & religion - to cooperate rather than contradict where they overlap -two of the many wheels of wagon of society Sadly various episodes in human history, all over, e conflict between Divine guidance and how the govt was run - with repercussions • Every state run on principle of absolute justice is a ‘Muslim’ state

16. Mulla-ism • Disagreement between different sects about what is & what is not Shariah - Lack of appropriate study - Selfish motives • Clergy seek power & at times possess the power • Results in: - Horrendous consequences - Complex problem for the Islamic world • Politicians - Influenced by clergy - Exploit mullaism for their interest

17. Islamic Statecraft • Instructions of the Quran are without distinction of Muslim or non-Muslim govt • Instructions are common for benefit of mankind as a whole 42:39 & 3:160 (about mutual consultation) 4:136 O those who believe, be strict in observing justice, bear witness (only for the sake) of Allah, even if it be against your own self, parents or kindred. Whether the person be rich or poor. Allah is more regardful of him (than you). Therefore follow not vain desires so you may act equitably. And if you conceal (the truth) or evade it, then (remember that) Allah is well aware of what you do. • Obedience to law 4:60 o ye who believe, obey Allah and His messenger & those who are in authority among you. Then if you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah & His messenger if you are believers in Allah & His messenger & the Last Day. This is best & most commendable in the end. • Responsibilities of the State - Right of basic needs - Right of opinion and self-expression incl practice of one’s religion - Sensibility to rights of people so they don’t have the need to raise their voice

18. International Relations • Absolute justice 5:9 o ye who believe, be steadfast in the cause of Allah, bearing witness in equity, & let not a people’s enmity incite you to act with injustice. Be just (always), that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah. Allah is aware of what you do. • No partnership in crime – at any cost 8:59 if thou apprehend treachery from a people who have made a pact with thee, terminate (the pact) with equity in manner that should occasion no prejudice. Surely Allah loves not the treacherous. • Nationalism - can distract from the principle of justice - can lead to prejudice

19. Role of UNO • UNO - a powerful organisation, not always acting for justice, but for political lobbying • Diplomacy rather than right-v-wrong • ‘House of Nations’ – instead of ‘United’ Nations • Some suggest better future prospect due to end of cold war - author foresaw it differently - political lobbying now more unrestricted • Conditions Required for Improvement - Economic disparity needs addressing - Absolute justice in economic & other relations between member nations - UNO needs some effective means to fight the ongoing injustices

20. Role of UNO in Quran • Quran mentions peace, always in conjunction with justice. - Nations/tribes to be acknowledged for righteousness/justice 49:14 We have created you from a male & a female, we have made you into tribes & sub-tribes for the sake of easy recognition. Verily the most honourable among you in the sight of Allah is one who is most righteous among you. Surely Allah is all knowing, all aware. - Reconciliatory body with power to enforce justice 49:10-11 In case two parties among the believers fight each other, bring about reconciliation between them. If (however) one of them (persists in injustice and) transgresses against the other, bring (your collective) might to bear upon the one that transgresses until they agree (that the dispute be resolved) in accordance with the word of Allah. Then if both parties effect reconciliation between them with equity, act justly. Remember, Allah loves the just. (All) believers are brothers, so make peace between your brothers and be mindful of your duty to) Allah that you maybe shown mercy.

21. Summary • Current political situation is far from peaceful • Quran does not specifically subscribe to a particular political system - all are acceptable but democracy is preferred • There is a difference between Islamic concept of democracy and the Western style democracy • Fundamental principles of Islamic Governance are: - Elect on basis of integrity – not political allegiances - Administer with mutual consultation - Govern with absolute justice • Individual religious practice cannot be made law – breach of principle of justice • State & Religion should cooperate – not interfere • Islamic govt cannot contravene Shariah – and also cannot impose Shariah on non-Muslims • Quran has taught about an effective body to implement justice and peace in the world community