General Appearance of the Islamic State and Its Difference from the Democratic State
The world needs a comprehensive, moderate, and inclusive law to establish order and ensure justice among the people in society. When such a law exists, life is organized, and affairs proceed properly. The religion of Islam provides such a system and law.
The Meaning of Religion (Deen) in the Dictionary and the Holy Quran
The word “religion” in the Arabic language has various meanings, including obedience, piety, nation, faith, path, custom, habit, law, system, domination, submission, and punishment and reward. Lexicographers have defined the main meanings of religion as the complete set through which Allah is worshipped.
Additionally, religion encompasses everything that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) brought from Allah (S.W.T) and was commissioned to convey to people.
In the Holy Quran, the word “religion” is used in many instances with similar meanings. For example, religion signifies submission and surrender. In Surah At-Tawbah, Allah Almighty states: «وَلَا يَدِينُونَ دِينَ الْحَقِّ» This means “they do not submit to the true religion.”
Religion also signifies system and law. In Surah Yusuf, it is stated: «مَا كَانَ لِيَأْخُذَ أَخَاهُ فِي دِينِ الْمَلَكِ» This translates to “he could not arrest his brother according to the system of the king.”
Accordingly, religion can be defined as a system and law that regulates all aspects of human life in the areas of worship, relationships with Allah, transactions, punishment, and other domains to ensure that no defect or gap remains, freeing man from confusion.
The Necessity of Power to Establish Religion
Allah has chosen religion for His servants and made its establishment obligatory and necessary. He has also commissioned the prophets to propagate and implement it. It is clear that the establishment of religion is inconceivable without the existence of power and effective authority. Implementing key aspects such as establishing divine limits, administering justice, collecting and distributing zakat, resolving disputes, reclaiming the rights of the oppressed from the oppressor, and establishing religious rituals are all necessities of social life that cannot be realized without executive power and authority.
Definition of State
Linguistically, the word “state” refers to the transfer of affairs or the circulation of wealth and power. The Quran also uses this concept in some contexts: وَتِلْكَ الْأَيَّامُ نُدَاوِلُهَا بَيْنَ النَّاسِ» Translation: “We will make these days among the people.”
«كَيْ لَا يَكُونَ دُولَةً بَيْنَ الْأَغْنِيَاءِ مِنْكُمْ» This translates to “so that wealth does not become confined among your rich.”
In terminology, the state is a set of institutions responsible for leading a specific land and its people. An Islamic state is one in which:
– The values that govern political life,
– The conditions for leaders and rulers,
– The method of establishing the ruler,
– The structure of the political system,
– The methods of managing public affairs,
are all determined and defined by religion.
Unlike democratic systems, the Islamic State is inspired not only by religion in determining its political goals and values but is also bound by Islamic principles and teachings in managing affairs and regulating laws. This state, relying on legitimate power and authority, strives to achieve justice, freedom, security, and the spiritual and material advancement of society.
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