DR SAUD ALAM QASMI, Dean Faculty of Theology, Aligarh Muslim University, explored the nature of governance during early Islamic period, in a chat with MOHAMMAD NAUSHAD KHAN.
What was the objective of governance in early Islamic Period?
Before objective, it is important to understand that when Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) declared his Prophethood in Makkah (as per the Divine revelation) then people of Makkah were attached to a system practiced as per the guidelines of Ka’abah. Apart from them, there were outsiders also and a system was followed where people were appointed to deal with problems or to provide services for them like distribution of water, wealth or Zakat. Some of them were assigned to clean while some were asked to distribute wealth and belongings that were collected or left during war.
More so, it was not like that of a government or a comprehensive system. More or less, there was some system in place by which problems of the people were addressed. There were little avenues and scope for a system to be followed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) in Makkah. In Makkah, there was a centre called Darul Nadwa where people used to discuss issues and problems. Since Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) faced a lot of problems from all sides and there were little scope available for him to utilise his potential to the fullest extent possible.
What was the structure of the government in early Islamic period?
After the Prophet’s hijrah (migration) from Makkah to Medina, he evolved a system which can be said to be exemplary because there was no system in place and he had to start from zero. If there is a system in place, it can be made more effective; something more can be added. But where there is no system at all then everything has to be done from the beginning which was very significant and challenging. The tribes used to fight with each other. There was no governance or any kind of system; there was no rule of law, justice and security.
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) established a system and governance on two basic principles. One was to implement in totality the Deen which was revealed to him and to create an atmosphere where Deen could be followed and practised accordingly. In the Qur’ān, it is said that when power is bestowed upon those on earth, it is for the establishment of Deen, to follow a system based on the Qur’ān, and establishment for a welfare state where there is justice and equality. In other words, to preach what the Qur’ān says and to stop people from doing any wrong.
The second objective was that justice should be done; people’s concern should be addressed. There has to be good governance for the people and people should be attached to the system in place where they can be heard and their grievances addressed. Distribution of work should be on the basis of skills and an environment should be created where one can use his skills accordingly. The negative traits if available should be channelized to use it in a more meaningful manner to serve the purpose. People’s rights should not be encroached upon and the atmosphere should be in such a way that can help people live a pious, happy and peaceful life.
Whose regime do you think was the best among all in terms of governance, and why?
It is beyond doubt that the regime of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) was the ideal in terms of governance. As I have already told you that it was indeed very challenging to evolve a system in the midst of utter chaos. And the creation of a platform for a unique and credible system where none can point figures or question the system in place or criticise it is itself a remarkable achievement.
The best example of governance during Prophet’s regime was that when people from Makkah migrated to Medina in large numbers, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) asked the locals and the migrants to establish brotherhood where one will take care of another and will accommodate in such a way that they live together in peace and prosperity. Is it easy to do so if such a situation takes place today? Under such a situation, it is most likely there would be utter chaos and every existing system would collapse. All people and governments should learn the ideal system practised by him to enable peaceful coexistence and compassionate world order. We can see how the migrants are treated across the world.
The other point is that the Jews were present in many groups and tribes and were socially and politically dominant over others. The Prophet evolved a mechanism where the Jews had freedom to follow their belief and the Muslims theirs. This is the best example of religious freedom during early Islamic period and holds sufficient ground to reject the criticism that the followers of Islam were intolerant of other religions. It can be reasonably said that there existed freedom of religion, freedom of faith and freedom of practice. He also identified the fighters among them and provided training for them so that they can be of help during war or fight or to protect people from any aggression.
In order to run the state effectively Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) visualised the importance of education and established an educational centre at Suffa to impart education and knowledge. Thereafter, he built Masjid Nabavi and it was not only for Salat. There used to be tents to help people; the sick were provided relief, guest houses were also built there to help people. One important thing Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) did was that he ordered to keep more space for lanes as much as two camels could easily pass. When the families grew, he asked them to build house on the second floor. And when population of the area turned large, he asked them to establish another town or village in the adjoining areas. It is important to note that the basic concept of town planning was evolved during that period.
How do you compare the governance of early Islamic period with the present one?
The basic concept of governance in Islam is welfare state. The Prophet made the people amanatdar (trustworthy) on the basis that they should be accountable. Dictatorship should be abolished and people should be empowered to choose their Caliph. It can be said to be a democratic means if we compare it with the governments today. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) could have named Abu Bakr as the next Caliph after him the way he had handed over Imamat during his lifetime. But the Caliph was chosen by the people. The selection and election of the authority should be based on the principles of Shoora in our Muslim community in a democratic way and not by money and muscle power.
The other pertinent concern is that leaders think that they are the sole owners of the treasury of a country. It is wrong and it should be distributed among people equally and should not be in the hands of only few. The next important thing is that there should be distribution of work based on the capabilities and potentialities and there should not be favouritism and nepotism. Then only we can think of governance based on Islamic principles.
Is there any country ruled as per the governance practised in those periods?
It is important to note that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) was above all and free from any wrong unlike other individuals who have their strengths and weaknesses and these shortcomings are very much there in our political parties, governments or organisations and individuals. There will always be some gaps in what is ideal and what is manifest and the only thing we can do is that our manifest should be close to ideals. All the governments in power chose to be close to those ideals are good governments. For example, Saudi is too far from those ideals. In Turkey there are some visible signs and spirit of that ideal. The spirit is there to some extent in Iran and Malaysia. Even the Morsi regime tried to follow to some extent but got crushed by Muslims themselves. Though these regimes cannot be said to be complete ideal but they were believed to be following the ideal way of governance to some extent. Our efforts should be to achieve the ideals presented by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) if we think of providing good governance.
Rule of Law and Punishment practised during early Islamic period has been subjected to criticism? Do you think any government will practise the same?
Look, the Qur’ān is for the entire world and for all time and not for a specific period. What is there is relevant and will remain relevant forever. People used to criticise the rule of law and punishment of the early Islamic period but those who have criticised it now talk of capital punishment when they themselves face such horrible situation. For example, during the horrible incident of rape in New Delhi in December 2012 the whole country and even the entire world stood up and demanded capital punishment for the rapist. I have myself heard leaders like Sushma Swaraj, Mayawati and Mamata Banerjee at that point of time demanded capital punishment for rapists. So when things go wrong, they demand the same punishment as followed in Islamic rule of law; otherwise they criticise such severe and harsh punishment.