Islamic values for Good Governance Undoubtedly, Islam is "Din-e-Kamil" a perfect religion. Its laws and commandments are in conformity with laws of nature. Islam is a complete code of life for salvation and welfare of mankind in this world and afterlife. There, is nothing in Holy Quran which can be regarded as contrary to the scientific findings. It is supposed to be a book of guidance not only for Muslim but the entire humanity. In fact the Holy Quran goes to the extent of saying that All Men are a Single Nation. In Holy Quran we can find broad principles of good governance, justice and fairplay - rather than any specific system or method - not only for the rulers but also for those who exercise bureaucratic authority and power as well as for the politicians and members of opposition. Study of Holy Quran and Sunnah would help our bureacrats and aspiring rulers to evaluate the manners in which the powers and authorities are to be exercised and improve performance and conduct according to that. Islamic values for Good Governance Late President General Ziaul Haque had wrItten a letter of commendation to Altaf Ahmed Kherie for his book "Islam - A Comprehensive Guide Book". In that he has discussed the Islamic values for good governance in the light of the verses in Holy Quran and practices and sayings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). As he mentions all the fundamental Human Rights, the principle of equality of human beings and Islamic brotherhood, the right to freedom of speech, expression and conscience, the guarantees of safety of life, property and honor, the right of everyone to get his just dues, the right of governance by consultations are all enshrined in the Holy Quran and Holy Prophet's sayings and his last sermon and his precepts and practice. These did not remain merely as a paper declaration but were fully implemented and acted upon by the four rightly directed Caliphs, who performed all the functions of an Islamic State. According to H. G. Wells in 'Outline of History'; "Abu Bakr and Umar are two master figures in history of Islam. Abu Bakr's reign was short; but his achievements were momentous. His imagination and his determined leap into Syria and Iraq laid the foundations of the Arab World empire." Umar streamlined the administration of the Islamic state and created separate departments for justice, finances, military and police. All the four caliphs strictly observed the sanctity of governance by consultations and justice for all - including Non-Muslims equally. It is ironical that the principles of human rights and governance through consultations as enunciated over 1, 500 years ago by the Holy Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) have been forgotten by Muslims but they have been adopted by the West in some way. The system of governance in USA appears to be based on the some of the same basic ideals as laid down in Holy Quran. Examples for good governance were not only by the Holy Prophet but also by his immediate successors - the four rightly directed caliphs (Khulfa -i- Rshidin). In the light of different verses of Holy Quran, scholars like Altaf Ahmed Khairie and Dr. Fazlur Rehman Ansari have pointed out that the sovereignty belongs to Allah. Man is merely a vicegerent of Allah on the Earth and cannot be absolute owner possessing absolute sovereign rights. He can act only as a trustee and has to perform the duties as a ruler, in consultation with the Shura and according to the commandments of Holy Quran and as laid down in Sunnah. a) Allah's promise of granting power and authority is for those who believe and act righteously for the benefit of the society. And this authority must be exercised for establishing Islam and peace and to ensure justice, fair play and progress and to guard against oppression, injustice and wrong doings. b) The role of Shura i.e. consultation to help the rulers in good governance has been part of our traditions and that paved the way of Parliament and Senate in the constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. c) But the qualifications of rulers and their deputies as well the voters are two major areas where conformity to Islamic ideals needs to be ensured. The qualification for bestowing authority or eligibility for an office for public administration would appear to be knowledge (qualifications), piety, fear of Allah and unflinching faith and ability to do justice in comformity with the standards of conduct as laid down in Holy Quran and the Sunnah. The qualification of piety would render such politicians ineligible to contest or vote if they have been convicted by a court of law of a sovereign state. The familiarity with the commandments and prohibition laid down in Holy Quran would be a must. "Deenyat" or Islamic Studies has been a compulsorty subject in our schools but the courses need to be simplified and made more practical. It would do well if all the politicians and bureaucrats are made to undergo a refresher course relating to Justice, trust and other commandments of Holy Quran. Adult Franchise An important question is that whether the concept of the adult franchise or universal suffrage is in accordance with the Islamic values. This needs to be settled by Ijtehad. There are qualifications for voters in the Western democracy such as age, nationality etc. Israel is purely a Jewish state. Muslims and Christians do not have the same right as Jews. The qualification of voters according to the Islamic values may not be materially different as the constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan was adopted after taking into account Islamic values and traditions. But a review of that appears to be advisable. Although the beggars, destitute, illiterate Muslims who do not know even the basics of Islams, deserve our sympathy and help, it is doubtful if their judgement in electing a competent representative can be relied upon specially as the experience has indicated that their votes are purchasable cheaply and easily. Moreover, according to some traditions, the opinions of persons of guilty of moral terpitude are to be ignored! Only by Ijtehad we can learn if this applies to voters or candidates! In his article 'Voting can be Ibadah', by Dr. Ahmad Shafaat writes that Ibadah, as understood in Islam, includes every action that is performed with the intention (or niyyah) of fulfilling the wishes of the Creator, whether directly or indirectly. --- Now, it is one of the divine wishes that believers run their affairs through mutual consultation (shura banahum) (42:36-38). --- Now, voting is a form of shura or consultation. --- Consequently, it would be counted as ibadah in Islam if a Muslim votes with honesty. When mere voting is as sacred as Ibadah, running political movements would require much greater responsibility and the all the principles for authority and use of powers apply in organizing political parties and their leaders must set example by running the party according to Islamic ideals. Monarchy While the Holy Quran does not specifically abolish the institution of monarchy, there is no trace in the holy book of any divine right to rule by any individual, or family or class or race. Although there is mention of kings, there is no specific provision or religious sanction for automatic succession to the office of ruler. According to Holy Quran the sovereignty belongs to Allah. Man is merely a vicegerent of Allah on the Earth and cannot be absolute owner possessing absolute sovereign rights. He can act only as a trustee and has to perform the duties as a ruler, in consultation with the Shura and according to the commandment of Holy Quran and as laid down in Sunnah. Honesty and Justice in All Dealings As mentioned in Sahih Muslim, the Holy Prophet (sws) based his dealings strictly on truth and justice. He strongly disapproved all transactions which involve any kind of injustice or hardship to the buyer or the seller. One should not take undue advantage of the simplicity or ignorance of the other.Islam, which condemns every kind of injustice and exploitation in human relations, wants its followers to conduct business in a sublime spirit of justice tempered with human kindness. Holy Quran shows us that, because of moral weakness of mankind, God sent prophets to teach both individuals and nations correct moral and spiritual standards and values. As the messages of all prophets emanate from the same divine source, religions are basically one. All prophets are are the most perfect exemplars for humanity. And Muhammad (sws) was the last and final prophet and that the Quran is the final and perfect revelation of God, consummating and superseding all earlier revelations like Torah and Bible. Believe in day of judgment for rewards and punishment in afterlife for good and bad deeds, is among the basic articles of Islamic faith. Excerpts from my article at http://www.netvert.biz/paklink/articles/governance2.html Shah N. Khan
