Inquiries on the Science of the Objectives of Sharia (Part 35)
Duties of Scholars and Rulers in Preserving Religion
Scholars of religion are responsible for propagating and protecting the faith. If they fail in this matter, they commit a great injustice. Rulers also have a duty to preserve religion based on established principles and the consensus of scholars. Imam Mawardi states, “Ten things are obligatory on a ruler, one of which is preserving religion according to its established principles and confronting innovations and deviations. If someone introduces an innovation into religion or deviates from the path of truth, it is the ruler’s duty to show the right path with evidence and proof and, if necessary, implement divine limits, so that religion is protected from any deviation and damage.”
Da’wah to the faith is an essential tool for the survival of Islam and for confronting deviations. This call must be accompanied by insight, awareness, and courage. Preserving religion also requires confronting innovations and deviant thoughts. Scholars and rulers, as those responsible for preserving religion, must carry out their duties seriously and prevent the distortion and destruction of their beliefs.
To preserve the faith, Islam has provided several negative strategies that act as barriers against religious deviations and threats. These strategies can be summarized in a few main areas:
Beware of Polytheism
Polytheism (Shirk) is the greatest sin in Islam, invalidating acts of worship and depriving one of divine forgiveness. Allah Almighty says: «إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَغْفِرُ أَن يُشْرَكَ بِهِ وَيَغْفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَلِكَ لِمَن يَشَاءُ وَمَن يُشْرِكْ بِاللَّهِ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ ضَلَالًا بَعِيدًا» Translation: “Indeed, Allah does not forgive that partners should be associated with Him, and He forgives anything other than that to whom He wills; and whoever associates partners with Allah has indeed strayed far astray.”
Polytheism disables the intellect, corrupts a person’s outlook, and diverts them from the path of moderation and happiness in this world and the Hereafter.
Prohibition of Apostasy
Leaving the faith (apostasy) is recognized as a destructive factor in Islam and is prohibited. By calling for truth and enlightenment, Islam encourages individuals to maintain steadfast faith and prevents them from falling into doubt. Allah Almighty describes the conspiracy of the People of the Book to create doubt in Muslims: «وَقَالَت طَائِفَةٌ مِّنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ آمِنُوا بِالَّذِي أُنزِلَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَجْهَ النَّهَارِ وَاكْفُرُوا آخِرَهُ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ» Translation: “And a group of the People of the Book said: Believe in what has been revealed to the believers at the beginning of the day, and disbelieve at the end of the day; perhaps they will return.”
This conspiracy had no purpose other than to mislead the believers and create doubts about the truthfulness of Islam, but Allah Almighty has made the hearts of the believers firm with strong faith. Apostasy causes the collapse of social order and the spread of corruption; thus, Islam has strictly prohibited it.
Fighting Against Innovators and Deviants
Innovation means adding new things to religion aimed at getting closer to Allah, but with no legal basis. Innovations may occur in beliefs, worship, and religious practices. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: «وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَمُحْدَثَاتِ الْأُمُورِ، فَإِنَّ كُلَّ مُحْدَثَةٍ بِدْعَةٌ، وَكُلَّ بِدْعَةٍ ضَلَالَةٌ» Translation: “Beware of newly introduced matters in religion, because every newly introduced matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misguidance.”
Fighting innovation is one of the most important duties of scholars and officials to prevent the deviation of religion and society.
Establishing Limits on Sinners
Allah Almighty has made religion a beacon of guidance for mankind. Sins and transgressions extinguish this light and cause corruption in society. Implementing divine limits is essential for establishing justice and preventing sedition and disorder. Allah Almighty has emphasized in the Quran that implementing limits is a guarantee of maintaining order and stability in society.
Conclusion
Preserving religion depends on both positive and negative measures. Belief in monotheism (Tawheed), adherence to religious rules, and propagating faith are considered the most important positive measures. In addition, negative means such as combating polytheism, preventing apostasy, confronting innovation, and imposing punishments on those who commit sins are necessary to protect religion and prevent deviations. These measures guarantee the survival of Islam on the path of truth and the health of the Islamic society.
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