Is government sanctioned by the Qur'an?
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Peace,
I was having a conversation with someone that believed there was no sanctioning of any kind of government governed by the principles of the Qur'an, that government was inherently evil and that there never existed a government that did not oppress its people in some fashion. What do you say to this? Are there clear indications to set up government in the Qur'an? The person I was speaking to thought that the best way is self-governance. ARE all government inherently evil? And are we called by the Qur'an to dismantle governments or to support them as governed by the principles of the Qur'an? Thoughts and comments appreciated!
Zach
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Peace, all...
I am reviving thistopic because i brought it up under the heading of "salat" in a discussion, but didn't think i should expound under that topic.
This interests me greatly because i have currently been considering the usefulness of a government or hierarchy, and whether or not the quran sanctions one. I am glad to see that others are interested as well.
For me, the first thing that stands out is THERE IS TO BE NO COMPULSION. Would a series of enforced, man-made laws not be considered compulsion? Granted, some will say that the laws should be based upon the quran, but is that what this great book says?
My understanding is that the quran is a guidance from GOD, that GOD chooses to guide those whom GOD wills, those who seek guidance, and that GOD alone guides, that we cannot. We cannot make the blind see. Further, other people are a test to us in this life. We are told to seek justice for wrongdoings, but that mercy is better. We are told how to handle certain situations specifically, while other circumstances we are told to judge equitably in light of the quran. Often, witnesses are required for a judgement to be enacted, but careful reading does not reveal any sort of judge, or authority in human form. GOD judges, GOD guides.
I have, as i have said, been thinking a lot about this lately. I would love to discuss further, should anyone still be interested, so i will wait for a reply before "rambling on".
Peace,
brian -
For me, the first thing that stands out is THERE IS TO BE NO COMPULSION. Would a series of enforced, man-made laws not be considered compulsion? Granted, some will say that the laws should be based upon the quran, but is that what this great book says?
http//en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Islam_Way_of_Life/The_Limits
Supporting Dr. Shahrour understanding, this book believes that God, Koran and His Messenger only regulates the Law Limits. This law limits is timeless, universal and sectarian-neutral and should be obeyed above all local, time-specific and sectarian law. Theoretically, it works like "Human Rights" that "should" be above any man-made law.
Within God's limits a consultation (shura) can decide legislation (maroof & munkar) and leadership (ulil amr). This legislation and leadership should be obeyed as well.