Author: Obaidullah Nimruzi
The Biography of Abu Hamed Imam Mohammad al-Ghazali [MABH] (Part 16)
Duties of Rulers and Sultans from the Perspective of Imam Ghazali (MABH)
Keywords: Justice, tyranny, reforms, corruption, Sharia, government.
Abstract
Throughout history, rulers have had a significant impact on the formation, continuation, and decline of civilizations. In Islamic societies, the government is not merely a political institution; it is also a religious responsibility aimed at establishing justice, implementing divine laws, and protecting public interests. The present study, by examining the theoretical foundations of government in Islamic jurisprudence and political thought, addresses the role of rulers in reforming and corrupting society and analyzes the criteria for good government and corrupt government based on reliable Islamic sources. The results of this study show that reform or corruption in governance directly impacts the religious, social, and economic status of society and is a key factor in the progress or decline of nations.
Introduction
Government and politics are considered fundamental pillars of any society, and the role of rulers in determining the fate of societies is undeniable. In Islamic civilization, the government is not simply an executive institution; its responsibilities are tied to religious teachings. Ibn Khaldun states in his introduction that governments will remain stable if they are governed on the basis of justice and respect for the rights of the people.
The Holy Quran has emphasized the need for justice in government in several verses, including: «إِنَّ اللَّهَ یَأْمُرُکُمْ أَنْ تُؤَدُّوا الْأَمَانَاتِ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهَا وَإِذَا حَکَمْتُمْ بَیْنَ النَّاسِ أَنْ تَحْکُمُوا بِالْعَدْلِ.» Translation: “Indeed, Allah commands you to render back trusts to those to whom they are due, and when you judge between people, judge with justice.”
This verse explicitly obliges rulers to observe justice and trustworthiness. The Prophetic hadiths have also emphasized the importance of this issue. In a hadith narrated in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet (PBUH) said: «خَیْرُ الْأَئِمَّةِ الَّذِینَ تُحِبُّونَهُمْ وَیُحِبُّونَکُمْ، وَتُصَلُّونَ عَلَیْهِمْ وَیُصَلُّونَ عَلَیْکُمْ.» Translation: “The best imams are those whom you love and who love you, whom you pray for and who pray for you.”
In contrast, governments that deviate from the path of justice fall into decay and have led their societies to corruption and destruction. Ibn Taymiyyah states in Al-Siyasat Al-Shariyah: “No society will remain stable through oppression, even if it is Muslim; and no society will fall through justice, even if it is infidel.”
This research attempts to examine the criteria of good and corrupt government with a scientific approach and analyze the role of rulers in reforming or corrupting society.
Criteria of Good Government in Islamic Thought
A government that operates within the framework of Islamic principles will lead to the reform of society. Some of the main criteria of good government are:
1. Establishing Justice and Eliminating Oppression:
Justice is one of the most basic characteristics of good governance. Umar ibn Abdul Aziz (MABH) is an example of a ruler who established a healthy society by implementing justice, economic reforms, and fighting corruption. Ibn al-Jawzi writes about him in his Siyar ‘A’lam al-Nubla: “Umar ibn Abdul Aziz established such justice that no needy person was found during his time.”
2. Respecting People’s Rights and Public Participation:
Governments operating on the basis of tyranny will sooner or later collapse. Imam Mawardi emphasizes in Al-Ahkam al-Sultaniyah that consulting with the people and respecting their rights is one of the most important principles of successful governance.
3. Strengthening Science and Knowledge:
One characteristic of righteous rulers is their support for science and educational institutions. The era of Ma’mun, the Abbasid caliph, witnessed unprecedented scientific progress as a result of his support for scientists and the establishment of the Bayt Al-Hikmah. Ibn al-Nadim referred to this period as the “Golden Age of Islamic Sciences” in his al-Fihrist.
Signs of a Corrupt Government and Its Consequences
In contrast to righteous governments, corrupt governments cause the destruction of societies. Some of the signs of a corrupt government are:
1. Tyranny and Cruelty:
Tyranny and injustice are among the most important factors in the fall of governments. Imam Ibn al-Qayyim (MABH) writes in Al-Tariq Al-Hikmiyyah: “Tyranny is a sign of the decline of sovereignty, and a government that promotes tyranny will be destroyed.”
2. Financial Corruption and Plunder of the Treasury:
Governments in which financial corruption becomes widespread will lose their legitimacy. Imam Abu Hanifa (MABH) stood against the financial corruption of some rulers and stated that “a government that confiscates the treasury for its own personal gain is not a Sharia government.”
3. Weakening Religion and Ignoring Sharia Laws:
A government indifferent to the implementation of Sharia laws will pave the way for moral and social corruption. Imam Malik (MABH) warned in Al-Muwatta that “abandoning the Sunnah is the first sign of the decline of the Ummah.”
This research shows that the role of rulers in reforming or corrupting society is influential not only during their rule but also in the fate of subsequent generations. Just governments have led to the progress and stability of society, while tyranny and oppression have led to societal decline. Islamic scholars have emphasized the necessity of monitoring rulers and adhering to religious principles to maintain the health of society. Thus, studying the role of rulers is of fundamental importance for understanding historical developments and providing reform solutions in Islamic societies.
Continues…
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