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The Illusion of Islamic State
Over the period of last two centuries, the idea of
‘Islamic State’ has hurt Muslim societies the most.
We have seen country after country falling to the false
perception of creating ‘Islamic state.’
Various intellectuals in different Muslim countries
developed the idea of Islamic state, founded organizations to implement
their ideologies that created strife and divisions across those societies.
Most of those organizations developed special wings to use violent means to
intimidate competing political forces.
There are several problems with this scenario. First, the
focus of any religion, and Islam is no exception, is not to provide
governmental system for any society. Religions focus on reforming human
societies by providing means of spiritual growth to individuals.
Whenever and wherever religion becomes part of governance
it turns government into ruthlessly repressive machine that takes away basic
human freedoms from its citizenry. Human judgment becomes subject to
religious consciousness, which impairs its neutrality to look at the world
around independently. The desire to convert others into one’s religion grows
stronger, consequently religious majority commits violence against its
minorities.
Muslim scholars who enthusiastically propagate the idea
of Islamic state proclaim Muhammad (PBUH), the prophet; himself established
first Islamic state at Madina-tun-Nabbi.
They do not describe the details of various branches of
the government established by holy prophet (PBUH) to run the state of
Medina. They do not explain the mutual relationship among the various
branches of the government.
The fact of the matter is, the system adopted to run the
sate of Medina by the holy prophet was no different than the traditional
tribal system prevailing in the time of holy prophet. Even in the times of
first, second, third and fourth Caliphs of Islam, the system remain pretty
much tribal.
Neither holy prophet (PBUH) nor any of the four Caliphs
explained the rudimentary characteristics of governance. They never
explained 1) what is Islamic state? 2) Who will rule that Islamic state? 3)
How the ruler will take over and relinquish power? 4) What will be the
citizens’ role in an Islamic state?
If Medina state should be followed as a model, there was
not any set method adopted by all 5 individuals including holy prophet
(PBUH) to take over and relinquish power. The ouster of three Caliphs: Omer,
Usman and Ali through murder make the matter murkier.
Should we infer from it that there is no set way in Islam
to come into power? Also, anyone who comes into power should stay in power
till the end of his life? Is it okay if someone murders a ruler and takes
over the Islamic state?
Lack of clarity on these issues, has marred our history
with conspiracies around power centers, intrigues and killings in ruling
families, thus causing instability in Muslim countries.
I think this confusion has been created in Muslim minds
with the idea of ‘Islamic state.’ As I said earlier, Muslim scholars created
the idea of ‘Islamic state’ in last few centuries. This idea of ‘Islamic
state’ never existed in early or medieval Islamic ages.
In our times, the idea of ‘Islamic state’ gave way to the
debate of ‘secular’ versus ‘religious’ and ‘secular state’ versus ‘Islamic
state.’ With the introduction of the idea of ‘Islamic state’ ulema changed
their traditional role and became contenders of power in Muslim countries.
Muslim countries where ulema have taken over the state,
for example Iran, are not different where armies have taken over the
country, for example Pakistan. On this basis, we can argue, if army does not
have a prerogative to run a state, ulema also do not have any right to run a
state. If we allow ulema to take over the country than why not army should
have the right to take over the state?
I think if Muslims give up the idea of ‘Islamic state’
and instead adopt the idea of ‘Muslim state’ they can resolve the conflict
that have plagued Muslim countries for the last two hundred years. This
confusion has created space for adventurers like Saddam Hussein, Hosni
Mubarak, Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan, Zia ul Haq and General Musharraf.
By adopting the concept
of ‘Muslim state’ instead of ‘Islamic state’ Muslim countries can also adopt
democracy as a system of government. They can learn to follow constitutions,
respect elected institutions and have set rules of game for the people to
come in and leave out of power.
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