Enforcing law in Islam
The ideal of a government is to pass and enforce laws in a just manner. But if this objective cannot be achieved for any reason, establishing a government to safeguard the security of the people and the country’s independence and territorial integrity is better than lack of political power which would lead to chaos and anarchy. Religious texts have also reiterated the necessity of the government.
Imam Ali says, “It is inevitable that the society must have a good or bad ruler, so that under his rule the believer would act according to his faith and infidel also live his own life.”[1]
Another Hadith ascribed to Imam Reza says: “We will not find any tribe or nation left standing without a leader or ruler. The existence of a leader is necessary for the religion and reforming the world. Therefore it is no compatible with the wisdom of God to leave his servants without a leader that he knows they need.”[2]
This is not to say that any oppression and injustice must be suffered because of fear of disturbing security and no measure must be taken against oppressing government, but actions to forcefully remove a government must be taken only when reform is not possible. Secondly, there must be a guarantee that a better replacement can be found for the government. The conduct of Innocent Imams of Shia proves this claim.
In periods when changing government was not possible or the benefit of Muslims required the society to be in peace, they pursued the tactic of dissimulation and tried to achieve their objectives by continuing cultural fight, promoting Islamic aducation and educating wise followers.
Notes:
[1] . Nahjul Balagha, sermon 40
[2] . Muhammad Javan Noroozi, An Introduction to Political system in Islam, p. 87
Ahmad Niazi, graduate of Qom Seminary and Phd student of Al Mustafa international university
Source: Plitical science journal, No. 3
Translated by: Sadroddin Musawi
Other links:
Fundamental Theories of Extra-Religious Approach
Duties of Theocracy from Religious Point of view
