The Just System of Islam

Raza ul Haq

The nature of humanity is indeed fascinating. Humans enter this world alone and leave it alone, yet they neither wish to nor can they undertake the journey from cradle to grave alone. Individuals are part of families, members of tribes, citizens of cities, and inhabitants of countries. This is why humans are termed social animals; in fact, for humans, society holds the same importance as water does for fish. Human individuality is very limited. While a person may handle some minor daily tasks alone, and may begin intellectual and practical endeavors independently, they cannot bring any significant societal impact to a logical conclusion by themselves. What we aim to convey is that sociability is intrinsic to human nature. Therefore, it is imperative by human nature that one seeks a conducive society, and if the society is not favorable, one must strive with utmost sincerity to make it conducive for moral and spiritual fulfillment. Collective wisdom and collective effort are not only necessities for achieving this goal but also a compulsion.

The fundamental objective of the Prophets' (AS) missions undoubtedly involved the moral and spiritual development, welfare, and salvation of individuals. However, creating a conducive collective environment for achieving this objective was also undeniably part of their missions and duties. Leaving aside ordinary individuals, even the Prophets (AS) began their missions alone but advanced with the support of their disciples and companions.

Among the resolute Prophets of Allah, Musa (AS) and Harun (AS) led a movement for the freedom of their people, the Israelites, from political oppression and exploitation. Simultaneously, with miraculous divine help, after securing their freedom, receiving the Book and the Shariah, and forming a community, they demanded collective effort from their people for implementation. However, their people's cowardice hindered progress, and the religion could not be fully established.

The final Prophet and Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (SAAW), not only invited all of humanity to a perfect religion through the secure Book, the Quran, but also formed a strong community based on the principles of Islamic obedience among those who accepted this call. The sacrifices made by this community in terms of wealth and lives and their dedication to this mission are unparalleled in human history. Finally, the mission, commanded by the initial ayah of Surah Al-Muddathir, was completed in the Arabian Peninsula with the conquest of Makkah, and in his Farewell Sermon, the Prophet (SAAW) transferred the responsibility of bearing witness to the Truth to his Ummah. The system of justice and fairness established by the Prophet (SAAW) was institutionalized amidst the expansion of the Khilafah to three continents, with a period of thirty years, by the Rightly Guided Caliphs. However, with the end of the Rightly Guided Caliphate, as interpreted by Shah Ismail Shaheed, the sixth floor of the six-story building of the system of justice and equity of true religion, viz. the Islamic political system of governance, was demolished. The remaining five floors took nearly fifteen centuries to collapse one by one until the beginning of the 20th century, when this building became a heap of ashes, meaning Muslims themselves declared the end of the institution of the Caliphate.

The question then arises: Is it necessary to rebuild the structure that was destroyed due to our own mistakes and the conspiracies of others? Should the just system given by the Prophet (SAAW) be considered a story of the past? In our view, to do so would not only ruin our world and the Hereafter but also manifest enmity towards humanity, akin to throwing humanity into a pit of fire. Despite great advancements in technology and numerous life conveniences, the world today is increasingly becoming a hellish place. Therefore, there is no alternative but to restore that system – The Just System of Islam!

Corrigendum: The title of the English article published in the previous issue of Nida e Khilafat should be read as “Revival of Islam and our Responsibility” (without “Part 2”)