Politics in Islam (9): Citizenship in Islam – A Counterintuitive Yet Logical Framework

One of the most debated concepts in the modern world is citizenship. It is a term that has become so ingrained in contemporary societies that many assume it aligns seamlessly with Islamic principles. However, the Islamic perspective on citizenship diverges fundamentally from modern secular notions of nationality. Let us delve into why this is the case, breaking down the reasoning into simple terms that highlight Islam’s unique worldview.

The Modern Basis of Citizenship: Race and Territory

In today’s world, citizenship is granted based on either ethnicity or place of birth. For example:

1. Ethnicity: If someone is born to Egyptian parents, they are granted Egyptian citizenship, regardless of where they are born.
2. Territory: In some countries, like the United States, being born on American soil automatically makes a person a U.S. citizen.

These frameworks create a system where rights and responsibilities are limited to those who qualify as citizens based on these criteria. Non-citizens, no matter how long they live in a country or how much they contribute to it, are not afforded the same privileges.

This system is universally accepted today. It is the norm that no country in the world treats citizens and non-citizens equally in terms of rights and responsibilities.

The Islamic Basis of Citizenship: Faith

In contrast, Islamic governance does not base citizenship on race, ethnicity, or territorial boundaries. The foundation of citizenship in an Islamic state is faith. This means that a Muslim's rights and duties are defined by their commitment to Islam, regardless of where they were born or the language they speak. Conversely, non-Muslims in an Islamic state, while granted rights and protections, do not share the same responsibilities as Muslims.

This principle often invites criticism in modern discourse, but it is essential to understand the logic behind it. The Islamic state exists primarily to uphold and implement the teachings of Islam. Its system is fundamentally religious, meaning that leadership roles—such as that of a ruler—are inherently tied to the practice and safeguarding of Islamic principles.

Why a Non-Muslim Cannot Rule an Islamic State

Some may argue, “Why can’t a Christian or a Jew be a ruler in an Islamic state?” The answer lies in the very purpose of Islamic governance: to establish and enforce Islamic law. This role cannot be fulfilled by someone who does not believe in the tenets of Islam.

To put it into perspective:

• The United States requires its president to be a U.S. citizen. No foreign national can assume the role, no matter how qualified they are. This is not considered discriminatory but rather a natural and logical safeguard to ensure the leader's loyalty to the country.
• Similarly, an Islamic state requires its ruler to be Muslim because the ruler must uphold the values and laws of Islam.

This is not a matter of prejudice or inequality. It is a matter of aligning responsibilities with beliefs. Just as a foreigner cannot represent the interests of a nation they are not part of, a non-Muslim cannot lead an Islamic state to fulfill a mission they fundamentally do not believe in.

Islam's Inclusivity Transcends Borders

Unlike secular nation-states, Islam's framework is not bound by geography. A Muslim, regardless of where they were born, can become a citizen of any Islamic state and even aspire to positions of leadership. This is a strikingly inclusive concept compared to modern systems that tie rights to arbitrary borders and accident of birth.

For over thirteen centuries, Muslims traversed the Islamic world freely, unburdened by the bureaucratic restrictions of modern passports, visas, or immigration laws. This freedom fostered unity and cooperation across diverse cultures within the Islamic empire—a stark contrast to the fragmented, border-restricted world we see today.

Citizenship and Leadership in Islamic Governance

Islamic political philosophy defines the role of leadership in clear terms. Scholars describe Imamah (leadership) as:

“A succession to the Prophet in protecting the faith and governing the world through it.”

The very essence of Islamic governance is the implementation of divine law. Therefore, it is inconceivable to place someone who does not believe in Islamic law at the helm of a state built to uphold it. Would any rational person elect a leader for America whose loyalty lies with China or Russia? The absurdity of such a proposition becomes apparent when applied to other contexts.

Not Discrimination, but Natural Order

It is crucial to understand that this principle is not an act of discrimination but a reflection of the natural order of governance. Every nation sets conditions for leadership that align with its foundational principles. Just as secular countries require their leaders to have specific qualifications, an Islamic state requires its leaders to be Muslim.

Islam’s system is not just fair—it is liberating. It breaks free from the limitations of race and nationality, offering a universal identity to Muslims across the globe. It ensures that leadership is not based on arbitrary factors like place of birth but on commitment to faith and values.

Conclusion

The modern concept of citizenship, tied to race and territory, is not inherently superior. In fact, Islam’s model of governance transcends these limitations, uniting people under the banner of faith. It prioritizes shared values over arbitrary borders and offers an inclusive framework that has proven its success over centuries.

As we reflect on this, it is clear that Islam’s approach is not about exclusion but about coherence. It ensures that leadership aligns with the purpose of governance, safeguarding justice and faith for all. Understanding this concept requires us to look beyond modern assumptions and appreciate the wisdom of a system designed to serve both spiritual and worldly needs.