POLITICS IN ISLAM?
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Ola,
Although I am not a politician, I and probably people can see how dirty politics could be. There are always lies associated to politics nowadays as we all know. I was wondering what the Quran says about this, and what the history of Muslims in the past suggests on "politics"? Anyway should there be politics? I also understand that sometime people inter-mingle politics with diplomacy, like they inter-mingle usury with trade. Need you sincere opinion to clarify this issue please comment.
Peace
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Easy bmbmm! In my study of politics i have come to an understanding that one of the better political sysyems and close to a quranic ideal would be 'anarchy'. Now before you fall off your lap-top,i will define 'anarchy. This word is from greek and could be translated as 'no leader, or no law'. The word has been misrepresented in some cases to mean violence and no law at all,but this is not what anarchy is about. In short anarchy is a system were there is no external authority(ie arbitrary government) except natural law.(ie individuals conscience) So an individual is free to decide what to do(within the limits of not harming or infringing the rights of others.) In the writings of anarchists some writers stress that man 'naturally' has an inclination to do good to others and in the abscence of government(eg people dictating to them) they will choose beneficial deeds. Some anarchists state that all government is harmful because it imposes its opinions and restricts freedom. An example of anarcy would be a liberal family,everybody is free to eat and express opinions and do as they wish without a ruler/dictator,as long as there actions do not harm the other members of the family. If there is a dispute a solution can be discussed(shura) and try to be agreed on or at least the dispute nullified. In some examples of islamic history any person could contest and over-rule the decision of a khalifa,this is like an example of anarchy. Too much power in too few hands can be very harmful.
In the scientific community scientists thrive when they are independent and respected,not always when they are constrained by external authority and fear of cutting of funds/government pressure etc..
The basic principle in islam is 'there is no authority/guide except god'. Obeying any government in contradiction of what is right violates this. However this then begs the question' what is meant by god?' However that is for another thread....