We continue our discussion of the objectives of the Islamic political system, some of which were previously stated and discussed. Below, we will explore other aspects of these objectives:
7. Ensuring Public Welfare and Needs
The effort to ensure public welfare and respond to material needs that pave the way for satisfying other social necessities, ultimately achieving true happiness and peace, has been an important goal consistently emphasized by Islam and its religious system. Attention to this issue can be seen through the economic rulings of Islam and the measures designed for the fair distribution of wealth and opportunities among all, as well as alleviating people’s troubles and suffering. The rulings of zakat, sadaqah, gifts, Qarz al-hasanah, and Infaq are examples of Islamic laws in this regard.
The Islamic state must transform the land under its control into an ideal and virtuous city and establish the foundation of a true and righteous civilization. Under its shadow, a basis for all-round welfare and general comfort can be provided, enabling humans to enjoy mental and physical health in addition to spiritual well-being. Providing the basic needs of life—such as employment, housing, necessary facilities for the marriage of young people, and the overall economic growth of society—is one of the most important duties of the Islamic state.
8. Universal Education and Cultural Development
As stated in previous discussions, one of the basic goals of the Islamic state is to promote societal progress, with education and training being key means of achieving this. Education is provided at two levels: through the media and by holding educational courses for the people. When the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) sent Mu’adh ibn Jabal to Yemen, he ordered him: “O Mu’adh, teach the people of that region the Book of Allah; educate them with good morals and virtues; reveal the major and minor issues of Islam; remind people of the Hereafter; and spread the teachings of Islam.”
Thus, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) emphasized both the duty of the Islamic state to educate everyone about the rules and regulations of Islam and the obligation for the Islamic ruler to establish and organize an educational system so that people in every corner of the country can be educated and trained.
9. Freedom
Freedom should be emphasized as another fundamental goal of Islam in forming a government. The establishment of an Islamic government guarantees liberation from the shackles of tyranny and oppressive rulers. But what are these shackles, and what are the dimensions and consequences of oppression that Islam obliges itself to confront?
A. The Concept of Oppression: Oppression literally means suffocation and strangulation. In terms of terminology and political science, it refers to a state in which individuals are unable to express their opinions or make independent decisions and are forced to obey those in power. Consequently, oppression can be understood in two forms.
B. Types of Oppression: Oppression manifests in two primary forms. The first type relates to societies ruled by absolutist and authoritarian systems, where individuals lack control over their own destinies due to the extensive use of security and intelligence forces. They are deprived of their natural freedoms and rights, and any slightest opposition is met with severe retaliation. In such societies, individuals are reduced to a state of servitude, possessing no control over their lives. The common characteristic of these societies is suppression.
The second type of oppression has emerged in the present era, following advancements in media communication technology. Here, individuals, like in the first type of society, are unable to make personal decisions or even think beyond the desires of those in power, yet they remain oblivious to their limitations. In these societies, even individual tastes are shaped by the short- and long-term plans and manipulations of the ruling class. Those in power effectively use various psychological methods and direct or indirect education through propaganda to influence the subconscious of the people, leading them into ignorance. This form of oppression is much more pervasive and insidious than the first.
Islam opposes all forms of oppression that undermine the values and true freedom of individuals. However, what is propagated as freedom for individuals in Western societies today is often a misleading narrative.
10. Human Dignity
Islam regards humankind as the noblest of creations. As Allah says in the Holy Quran: «ولقد كرّمنا بنی آدم وحملناهم فی البر والبحر ورزقناهم من الطيبات وفضّلناهم علی كثير ممّن خلقنا تفضیلا» Translation: “We have honored the children of Adam, made them active on land and sea, enjoyed them in purity, and preferred them over many of our creations.”
The Holy Quran states the tangible manifestation of this superiority, that is, dominion over other creatures, in another verse: «وسخر لكم ما فی السماوات وما فی الأرض» “And We have subjected to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth.”
When a person possesses dignity, they deserve to be connected to Allah and have the honor of serving Him. However, when individuals neglect their dignity and honor, they fall into captivity and enslavement to powers other than Allah. Pharaoh, for example, initially humiliated his people, trampling on their dignity and honor, and subsequently enslaved them to his tyranny. As we read in the Quran: «فاستخف قومه فأطاعوه إنهم كانوا قوما فاسقین» Translation: “So he humiliated his people, and they obeyed him. Indeed, they were a wicked people.”
One manifestation of human dignity is freedom, which religious teachings emphasize greatly. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came to liberate people from servitude and from submission to anyone other than Allah, allowing them to benefit from divine guidance and protection. As the Quran states: «ويضع عنهم إصرهم والأغلال التی كانت عليهم» Translation: “And He will remove from them their oppression and the fetters that were upon them.” Islam emphasizes human dignity, asserting that the high value of man and his freedom, along with his responsibilities, belong solely to Allah.
Among the several issues that can be discussed regarding Islam and the Islamic system’s perspective on human rights is the status and dignity attributed to women. Historically, the oppression of women has been a significant issue. Among various schools of thought, religions, and cultures, Islam has offered the most comprehensive remedy for this historical pain. While other schools may claim to protect women’s violated rights, they often fall short, pursuing self-interested goals that lead to further injustices.
For instance, Western civilization, under the guise of freedom, has commodified women—reducing them to mere instruments of pleasure for men. In the name of equal rights, it has disrupted family bonds, forced women into the workforce, and exploited them economically as docile and inexpensive laborers. At a time when women were treated as second-class humans, akin to animals, Islam rescued them and prioritized the restoration of their lost rights. Islam treats men and women equally regarding their path to servitude and perfection. As the Quran states: «من عمل صالحا من ذکر أو أنثی وهو مؤمن فلنحيينّه حياة طيبة» Translation: “Whoever does good deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer, we will surely grant them a good life.”
Among these important issues, the oppression of women has made them particularly vulnerable to the protection of Islam. In narrations attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), the respectful attitude towards women displays clear evidence of their dignity and honor. Although the propaganda of Islam’s adversaries and the doubts spread by biased, misguided individuals are widespread, women hold a significant and special place in society that is equal to or even superior to that of men. Regardless of gender, Islam regards both men and women as targets of the prophetic invitation, intending to pursue their growth and elevation.
Islam advocates for human development; for Islam, the gender of individuals is not a divisive issue. Men are referenced in some contexts, while women are mentioned in others; in one situation, men are honored, while in another, women receive praise— as they are two parts of one human body.
