DR HAMIDULLAH, a renowned Islamic scholar based in Aligarh, emphasised the need to have firm faith in Allah the Almighty and the Day of Judgement before scripting the guidelines for governance with accountability towards Allah, in an interview with MOHAMMAD NAUSHAD KHAN.
What was the basic objective of governance in early Islamic period?
The basic objective of the governance during early Islamic period was to ensure that the governance is practiced as per the guidance of the Qur’ān where there is justice, equality and tolerance. Even during war times Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) asked the army to follow some guidelines such as not to harm the old, to take care of small children and to spare women in the battlefield. Even enemies were treated on compassionate ground and none other in key position were allowed to take undue advantage of their authority and were advised to protect people in their respective areas irrespective of tribes to which they belong. People’s concerns and interests were supreme with the basic purpose of doing justice and working for the betterment of the society.
In the governance it was considered that methodology would be derived from the guidance of the Qurans and people to get their due rights without any prejudices and favour. The other basic features of the governance were to bridge the disparity between the rich and the poor, and creation of atmosphere wherein each and every one could live in peace and prosperity with the message of brotherhood and peaceful coexistence.
Whose regime do you think was the best among all in terms of governance, and why?
The ideal governance was that of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) and all others followed his way of governance, and further developed it as per the situation and demands. After the Prophet, Caliph Umar’s regime is considered noteworthy and best of that time.
If practised, how the Islamic way of governance can change and shape the future of a country?
A government in any part of the world can bring in significant changes if they follow the governance of early Islamic period because of the fact that the basic tenet was to give all their due rights and ensure justice to all. Be it India or any other country, they can derive mileage by following the basic principles of governance as followed by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) and his successors. People will get rid of corruption of all kinds from all places and departments. But I don’t think that any country will agree to adopt the governance of that kind because even those who claim to be governing their country on such models are really far from those guidelines as suggested by Prophet Muhammad. A political party or government or a leader can only think of ideal governance of early Islamic period if he has got firm faith in the Almighty and the Day of Judgement and accountability towards Allah, if there is fear that whatever we do here we have to answer there. Even if we can be let off here, we will be accountable there. Then only we can think of such type of governance.
How do you compare the governance of early Islamic period with the present one?
There is no comparison of governance practised in early Islamic period and that of today. Governments these days are least concerned of their people. There is no justice, equality and everything is fair for the sake of power no matter how illegal or wrong. Most of the political leaders are self-centred and are in politics for their own material benefit. There is no equal distribution of power and no inclusive development. Can this be said to be good governance?
Governance means taking care of all in their domain irrespective of caste, sect and religion in equal terms. In earlier times, it was very difficult to gather information or to know issues and problems of the people. Today all information is available in the public domain and problems are not solved. These leaders cannot even say that they were not aware of people’s problems.