Politics in Islam (7): Sovereignty Belongs to Allah: Why Islam’s Political System Ensures Justice

Sovereignty and Its Importance

In political science, sovereignty refers to the ultimate authority to legislate and govern. In secular systems, this power often rests with human institutions, such as parliaments or rulers. Islam, however, declares that sovereignty belongs exclusively to Allah:

“The decision is only for Allah. He has commanded that you worship none but Him.” (Surah Yusuf, 12:40)

This principle establishes that no human, regardless of their knowledge or status, has the right to legislate in contradiction to divine law.

Historical Context: The Tyranny of Human Whims

History is replete with examples of rulers and governments abusing legislative power for personal gain. As Friedrich Nietzsche observed:

“Law is the expression of the will of the strong.”

In secular systems, laws often shift based on the desires of those in power, leading to inconsistency and oppression. For example, a law considered just today may be deemed oppressive tomorrow, depending on who holds authority.

Islamic Perspective: The Divine Source of Legislation

Islam eliminates this inconsistency by grounding legislation in divine revelation. The Qur’an and Sunnah provide clear guidance on matters of governance, justice, and societal organization:

• Legislation is from Allah:“

And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed—then it is they who are the disbelievers.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:44)

• Justice is paramount:

“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:58)

This ensures that laws are not subject to the whims of rulers, creating a system that is inherently just and stable.

Example: Separation of Powers in Islam

Islam’s political system inherently limits the powers of rulers, distributing authority to prevent tyranny:

1. Legislative Authority: Belongs solely to Allah, as detailed in the Qur’an and Sunnah. No ruler can alter divine law.
2. Judicial Authority: Lies with scholars and judges who apply Shari’a independently of the ruler’s influence.
3. Media and Public Discourse: Controlled by scholars, preachers, and educators, ensuring that the ruler cannot manipulate information to serve personal interests.
4. Executive Authority: The ruler’s role is limited to implementing laws and managing the state’s affairs in accordance with Shari’a.

Even the most tyrannical Muslim rulers in history never held the absolute power that many modern leaders wield. They were bound by Shari’a, and their actions were scrutinized by scholars and the public.

Comparison: The Chaos of Secular Legislation

Secular systems often claim to uphold freedom and democracy, but their reliance on human-made laws leads to contradictions:

• Inconsistent Laws: Laws change based on political convenience, as seen in the U.S. during recent pro-Palestine protests. While freedom of expression was previously celebrated, laws were suddenly altered to suppress dissent, exposing the fragility of man-made principles.
• Concentration of Power: In many democracies, the ruling party dominates the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, effectively centralizing power.
• Moral Relativism: Secular laws lack a consistent moral foundation, leading to policies that contradict ethical principles.

In contrast, Islam’s system ensures justice by grounding laws in unchanging divine principles.

Modern Times: The Need for Divine Guidance

The arbitrary nature of secular legislation continues to cause injustice today. Recent examples include:

• Governments suppressing peaceful protests by altering laws overnight.
• Economic systems that perpetuate inequality through interest-based practices.
• Policies that prioritize the interests of the powerful over the well-being of the masses.

By adhering to divine legislation, Islam offers a system that is consistent, just, and immune to human whims.

Conclusion: The Superiority of Allah’s Sovereignty

The Islamic principle that “sovereignty belongs to Allah” ensures a just and stable political system. Unlike secular systems, which are prone to corruption and inconsistency, Islam’s divine legislation provides unchanging guidance that benefits all of humanity.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) established a state in Madinah that exemplified these principles, proving that Islam’s political vision is timeless and essential.

In the next article, we will explore how separating Islam from politics has led to the concentration of power and widespread injustice in modern systems, and why returning to divine sovereignty is the only path to true justice.