Deen,State & Political Islam

 Deen And State

What You will read in this article?

"The relationship between Deen (faith) and State has been a topic of discussion and debate among scholars, politicians, and the general public, particularly in the context of Islamic governance. The concept of an Islamic state, where the principles of Islam guide the governance of a country, has been a subject of interest and controversy. This article aims to explore the concept of Deen and State, examining the different perspectives on Islamic governance, democracy, and the role of religion in the state."

Democracy

Democracy is a system of government where power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives.

 The word "democracy" comes from the Greek words "demos" (people) and "kratos" (power). In a democracy, citizens have the right to participate in the decision-making process, usually through voting, and have certain fundamental rights and freedoms protected.

Types of Democracy

1. Direct Democracy: 

Citizens make decisions directly, either by voting on laws or policies or by participating in deliberative decision-making processes.

2. Representative Democracy:

 Citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

3. Constitutional Democracy:

 A system where the power of the government is limited by a constitution that outlines the rights and freedoms of citizens.

4. Liberal Democracy: 

A system that combines representative democracy with individual rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech and assembly.

Secularism vs Democracy

Secularism and democracy are related but distinct concepts:

1. Secularism: 

The principle of separating religion from the state, ensuring that the government remains neutral and does not promote or favor any particular religion.

2. Democracy: 

A system of government where power is held by the people.

While secularism can be a feature of a democratic system, it is not a necessary condition for democracy.

 Some democracies, like the United Kingdom, have an established state church, while others, like United States Of America, Germany, and Scandinavian countries, are secular states.

What makes the difference

- Secularism:

 focuses on the separation of religion and state, while democracy focuses on the distribution of power.

- A country can be democratic but not secular (e.g., the UK), and a country can be secular but not democratic (e.g., some authoritarian regimes).

In summary, democracy is a system of government where power is held by the people, while secularism is a principle that separates religion from the state. While they can coexist, they are distinct concepts.

Welfare State

A welfare state is a system of government where the state plays a significant role in providing economic and social welfare to its citizens. 

The key characteristics of a welfare state include:

- Government intervention in the economy to promote social welfare

- Provision of essential services like healthcare, education, and social security

- Redistribution of wealth to reduce economic inequality

- Protection of citizens' rights and well-being

Is democracy necessary for a welfare state?

While democracy can facilitate the creation of a welfare state, it's not the only system that can produce one. Some key points to consider:

- Democracies often prioritize social welfare: 

Democratic governments are more accountable to their citizens, which can lead to greater investment in social welfare programs.

- Authoritarian regimes can also implement welfare policies: 

Countries like Singapore and China have implemented effective social welfare programs despite not being democratic.

- Key factors influencing welfare states: 

A welfare state is often the result of a combination of factors, including economic development, social movements, and government policies, rather than just the type of government.

Examples of welfare states can be found in various forms of government, including democratic countries like Sweden and Canada, and authoritarian regimes like Singapore. Ultimately, the effectiveness of a welfare state depends on factors like governance, economic conditions, and societal values. 

Now, will try to understand the concept of democracy and State under some other mode of governance in the world.

1.Communism

- Democracy: 

In theory, communism aims to create a classless society where people manage their own affairs directly, with decision-making power distributed among the community. This is often referred to as "direct democracy."

- State: 

The state is expected to wither away as people become self-governing, and eventually, there will be no need for a separate state apparatus.

The Countries which falls under this doctrine are China, North Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Venezuella and Cuba.

Again, one can not claim complete demonstration of communism here.

2.Socialism

- Democracy:

 Socialism often emphasizes participatory democracy, where citizens have a strong voice in decision-making processes, usually through democratic institutions and organizations. This can include representative democracy, direct democracy, or a mix of both.

- State: 

The state plays a significant role in regulating the economy and providing essential services. Socialists often advocate for a more interventionist state to address social and economic inequalities.

Some decades ago, before the fall of Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia and USSR, the communist and socialist countries were considered similar but now Norway, Sweden, Denmark,Iceland and Costa Rica as socialist countries as their prime focus on social welfare of their citizens in healthcare, education and employment.

3.Modern Monarchy

- Democracy: 

In modern monarchies, democratic elements may coexist with monarchical institutions. Citizens may have some rights and freedoms, but the monarch typically holds significant power and influence.

- State: 

The state is often closely tied to the monarch, with the ruler serving as head of state and exercising considerable authority.

Countries like Japan, Malaysia,Brunei, Morroco and GCC states are some examples here.

4.Dictatorship

- Democracy:

 Dictatorships typically suppress democratic institutions and practices, concentrating power in the hands of a single leader or ruling group.

There are many examples of this form of governance across the globe.😊

- State: 

The state is often authoritarian, with the ruling elite exercising control over citizens through coercion, propaganda, and suppression of dissent.But it also contains elements of social welfare as well.

Now will try to further understand Communism, which was once the greatest threat to the world and its peaceful citizens, and became the thought behind  NATO.

Communism

Communism as a movement and ideology has its roots in 19th-century Europe, particularly in the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. The first country to implement a communist system was Russia, following the 1917 Russian Revolution, led by Vladimir Lenin and the Bolshevik Party.

The Russian Revolution marked the beginning of the Soviet Union, the world's first socialist state, which later became a communist state under Marxist-Leninist ideology.

So, communism as a modern political movement started in Russia, but its ideas and influences can be traced back to earlier thinkers and movements in Europe.

From USSR to Russian Federation

The USSR (founded in 1922) focused on internal consolidation under Lenin and Stalin. The country industrialized rapidly, albeit with significant hardship. 

By WWII, the USSR was a major power, contributing decisively to the Allied victory.

 The 1950s-1960s, under Nikita Khrushchev and early Leonid Brezhnev, marked the USSR's golden period. 

The country achieved significant economic growth, space exploration milestones (Sputnik, Yuri Gagarin), and cultural advancements.

After WWII, the USSR emerged as a superpower, alongside the US, having played a crucial role in defeating Nazi Germany. Its influence expanded in Eastern Europe, and it became a key player in global politics, counterbalancing US power.

The USSR's rise was marked by:

- 1922: Formation of the USSR

- 1930s: Industrialization and collectivization

- WWII: Key role in defeating Germany

- 1945: Emerged as a superpower

- 1950s-60s: Golden period of growth and influence

 The USSR dissolved in 1991 due to a combination of factors, including economic stagnation, political reforms (perestroika), and nationalist movements within its republics.

Afghanistan USSR intervention:

The Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989) was a major conflict where the USSR intervened in Afghanistan, supporting the communist government against anti-communist mujahideen rebels. The war was a significant factor in the Soviet Union's eventual collapse, costing the USSR heavily in terms of lives, resources, and international reputation.

The USSR intervened to support the Afghan communist government, but faced fierce resistance and eventually withdrew in 1989. The war contributed to the Soviet Union's internal instability and is often cited as one of the factors leading to its dissolution.

The Soviet Union (USSR) split into 15 independent countries:

1. Armenia

2. Azerbaijan

3. Belarus

4. Estonia

5. Georgia

6. Kazakhstan

7. Kyrgyzstan

8. Latvia

9. Lithuania

10. Moldova

11. Russia

12. Tajikistan

13. Turkmenistan

14. Ukraine

15. Uzbekistan

Now, we move to another aspect in relation to this topic. What is dean and State and the concept of Islamic state?

Deen & State.

Deen vs Religion:

Deen:

In Arabic, "deen" (دين) refers to a way of life, a comprehensive system of beliefs, practices, and laws that guide an individual's and the society's relationship with God. It's often used in Islamic contexts to describe the totality of one's faith.

Its is based on Prophethood, divine book, the earlier and present divine believers best practises, the actions, thought and speech of Prophet, the written version"Hadees" of all these three elements and the written demostration of Prophet's Companions, and the generation after and the generation after them in compliance of these principles accordingly. 

(Ashabe Rasool, Rizwan Elehe ajmaeen, tabein and taba tabein.)

Religion

typically refers to a specific set of beliefs, practices, and rituals centered around a particular deity or spiritual concept by individual or group of people.

Is religion mandatory for any State?

Sweden's atheist majority coexists with a robust social welfare system, sparking an interesting debate: can secular values alone foster a society's greatness? Perhaps it's about the absence of religion, but the presence of humanity.

Those Sweden people, who belief in religion have another valid perception.

You follow the same receipe of preparing Pizza and once the food is well cooked, You name it as “Pasta”

😊😊😊

State vs Country:

A "state" refers to a political,ideological entity with defined borders, government, and sovereignty. It's a political organization that exercises control over a specific territory.

 A "country",on the other hand, often refers to a geographical or cultural entity, which may or may not be a sovereign state. It can encompass aspects like culture, language, history, and identity, beyond just political boundaries.

In everyday usage, the terms "state" and "country" are often used interchangeably, but in precise contexts, "state" leans more towards the political and governmental aspects, while "country" is broader, encompassing cultural and geographical aspects.

There are some examples here to further understand the difference between a State and the Country.

The European Union (EU)  and its 27 member countries is a delicate example here.

United States Of America has 50 states and 14 territories.

United Kingdom has 4 countries and 14 territories.

Russian Federation has 22 Republic entities included Crimea under disputed status.

Similarly France, Nederland, Denmark, Portugal Spain and China have their territories with autonomous status.

Democracy,State and Islam

This topic keeps endless views.

There is a clear indication and distinction between  "Darul Kufr or Darul Harb" and "Darul Iman".

It was time the definition was a place where muslims could not perform any of their basic religious activities like prayers, fasting and Zakat.

 If we take the example of Makkah and migration of muslims to Habsha and Madina in the life of Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon him. There were two reasons. i) the religious activities were not allowed for muslims in the community and masjid ii) The rulers were not muslims.

The United Nation Human Rights commission now insists  its 193 member countries to give full religious freedom to its citizens.

Yes there are many non compliance of this clause around the world like, Occupied Palestine, Kashmir, China, Tajikistan and Turkministan etc.

The Constitution of many Islamic countries are similar to western democracies, hence the religion remains in the personal lives of their citizens.And British or American laws are followed in Apex Court of Justice.

So there are countries having muslims majority in general with no State religion as per their Constitution.

1.So does it mean there is No Darul Kufr or Darul Harb Now?

2.Does it make a difference between a muslim country and any country/province/county/territory having muslim majority?

3.If  there are 53 countries in the world, having vast muslim majority and all social rights are available to them, does it need to have Islam on State level as well?

4.If a common muslim follows all religious rituals and duties at his/ her personal capacity, does he/she still require to struggle for Islam on "State" level?

5.The existing members of muslim parliament

are responsible to implement Islamic Political system in vast muslim majority countries?

6.Every muslim citizen of such country will be responsible to implement Political, social and economic Islam?

7.What is the role of  religious and other political parties or groups in this task?

8.What is the role of those people who attained exclusive religious education for this task?

9.The Political Islam is only a "Slogan" or doable KPI?

10. The struggle of Political Islam will be a mutiny or anti state act in the country having vast muslim majority?

11.Are agitation, vast public protest, civil violence, damage to public private property and innocent killing are allowed in this process under any set of religious or global laws?

12.If any humble shariat complined muslim does not become the part of this process and demonstrate his thoughts to prevents others to do so, how he/she be treated a hypocrite or weak muslim?

To address above and similar concerns, we begin with the Verses from Quran and discuss ahead.

Surat No 61 : سورة الصف - Ayat No 10 

یٰۤاَیُّہَا  الَّذِیۡنَ  اٰمَنُوۡا ہَلۡ اَدُلُّکُمۡ عَلٰی تِجَارَۃٍ  تُنۡجِیۡکُمۡ مِّنۡ عَذَابٍ اَلِیۡمٍ ﴿۱۰﴾

 Surat No 61 : سورة الصف - Ayat No 11 

تُؤۡمِنُوۡنَ بِاللّٰہِ وَ رَسُوۡلِہٖ وَ تُجَاہِدُوۡنَ فِیۡ سَبِیۡلِ اللّٰہِ  بِاَمۡوَالِکُمۡ وَ اَنۡفُسِکُمۡ ؕ ذٰلِکُمۡ  خَیۡرٌ  لَّکُمۡ  اِنۡ کُنۡتُمۡ  تَعۡلَمُوۡنَ ﴿ۙ۱۱﴾

Surat No. 61 Ayat NO. 10 

O you who have believed, shall I guide you to a transaction that will save you from a painful punishment?

Surat No. 61 Ayat NO. 11 

[It is that] you believe in Allah and His Messenger and strive in the cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives. That is best for you, if you should know.

The below discussion is based on video clip No 1.If reader first listen the clip, it will be easy to understand.

1.There is no term like Islamic Democracy, I find appropriate to use in the context of Islamic welfare formation.

2.Pakistan is a country where majority of citizens are muslims. Just similar to Emirates flight EK098 from Dubai to Islamabad having Cokpit Captain "John" and all 400 passengers are muslim and Pakistani.

3.Nationalism is a short sighted thought which can not be an adhoc or transit destination for longer flight.

Hazrat Adam Allah Salam and his wife were in Jannat but sent to earth by the will of Allah.So if we replicate the term " Nationalism" on a wider canvas, then All human being Nationalist are " Confirmed Jannati"😊

But not the exact case as some have to land on hell as well, not all flights will rest in " Heaven".

Having said above, The Prophet Muhammad Salalahualewasalam' was born in Makkah and he migrated with companions to Madinah, where The State Of Muslim was formed.

So, keeping the Nationalism as initial mile stone, then the first Muslim State would have to be in Makkah which was the House Of Allah more deserving for this Pioneer Islamic State Title, right?

So it was people who formed the Welfare State after been taught the Prophet Himself.And these people were Sahabis from Makkah, Madina, Habsha and Faris as well.

No Nationalism here.

It was " Divine" guidance by " Divine Prophet" for " Promised companions" ( Rizwanul Ajmaeen).

Now we go the earlier caption in further details for better understanding for all of us.

1.Democracy:

 Again is a concept of better State operation or governance after failing down the imperialism, nationalism, socialism, communisim or classic modernasim.

As per my limited understanding , there is below " Thought of Islamic Welfare State Formation.

a).The Existance of Universal " Super Power" ALLAH.

b).Nomination of " Prophet" Allah Almighty.Where the Last and Best Of the Best Prophet, Muhammad Salalahualehewasalam. Already sent for the sake of mankind and the divine Promise accomplished " Forever".

c) The Chartar or Constitution of Universe is " revelation" of God to his Prophet in the for of Quran.

d) Since Quran is the source of All Social and Material Sciences and could it be difficult to understand the text and " metaphorical Extreme Intelligencia", Allah prescribed another set of information in the form of Hadees Qudsi and Hadees Nabwi for its mankind.

e)Prophet Muhamad salalahualewasam, demonstrated the divine Constitution as the " Last version" in continuation of earlier process of Torah and Gospel or bible though his action and speech and through monitoring the actions of his companions.And Nominated One of His Best of the Best Companion, Hazrat Abu Bakar Razi Allah Tala unho as first Caliph Of Welfare Islamic State.

f)The First Caliph Hazrat Abu Bakar Razi Allah Talah Unho, "Selected" another best of  the best companion to carry over his  task and Hazrat Omar Razi Allah Tala Unho took him over. But Alhamdulilah he added another color to this form of Government by delegating " Selection Commission Ministry" to Hazrat Abdul Rahman Bin Auf.He selected 10 Best Sahabis  fromAshra Mubashra and beyond. And later Hazrat Usman and Hazrat Ali were selected from these selected group as Caliph.

So the Democracy Model we have in summary

i )Super Power Allah

 ii) Last Prophet 

iii) Nomination by Prophet

 iv) Selection by outgoing Caliph v) Selection Commisson Head.

vi) Selection of 10 best persons for caliph position.

vii) Election among the selected 10 people.

viii) The continued process of 10 standby Best Of Best available People for new Caliph Position and nominate Head Of Selection Minsitry among themself.

Summary

In conclusion ,the relationship between Deen and State is complex and multifaceted, requiring a nuanced understanding of Islamic principles, democratic values, and the needs of modern societies. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, exploring the concepts of Islamic welfare state formation, as outlined in the Quran and the Hadith, can provide valuable insights into creating a just and equitable society. Ultimately, it is up to individuals and communities to strive for a balance between their faith and their responsibilities as citizens, working towards a more harmonious and prosperous world.

Video clip No 1

Video clip 2

Important Notes

Comments

By Mian Usman

"اسلامی جمہوریت" ایک سیاسی تصور ہے جو جمہوریت کے عناصر کو اسلامی اصولوں کے ساتھ ہم آہنگ کرتا ہے۔ اس کے بارے میں مختلف مفکرین اور ممالک میں مختلف تعبیریں پائی جاتی ہیں، لیکن عمومی طور پر اس کے کچھ اہم پہلو یہ ہیں:

 اسلامی اصولوں کی بالادستی:

· اسلامی جمہوریت میں قانون سازی قرآن و سنت کے دائرے میں ہوتی ہے۔

· ریاست کی بنیادوں میں اسلامی اقدار شامل ہوتی ہیں۔

جمہوری ادارے اور عمل:

· عوام کو منتخب نمائندوں کے ذریعے حکومت میں حصہ لینے کا حق ہوتا ہے۔

انتخابات، پارلیمنٹ اور جوابدہی جیسے جمہوری ادارے موجود ہوتے ہیں۔

اسلامی روایت کے مطابق "شوری" (مشاورت) کو حکومت کے اہم ستون کے طور پر اپنایا جاتا ہے۔

· یہ جدید پارلیمانی نظام سے مطابقت رکھتا ہے۔

زمانے کے تقاضوں کے مطابق اسلامی قوانین کی تشریح کی جاتی ہے (اجتہاد)۔

·اسلامی جمہوریہ پاکستان کا آئین اسلام کو ریاستی مذہب قرار دیتا ہے اور قانون سازی کے لیے اسلامی اصولوں کو بنیاد مانتا ہے۔

اسلامی جمہوریت دراصل ایک ایسے نظام کی کوشش ہے جو اسلامی اقدار کو برقرار رکھتے ہوئے  جدید جمہوری اداروں کو اہمیت دیتا ہے۔مختلف ممالک میں اس کی عملی شکلیں مختلف ہیں اور یہ ایک مسلسل ارتقائی اور مباحثے کا موضوع ہے۔