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ISLAMIC CONSTITUTIONAL
PRINCIPLES
An Islamic Constitution
The
principal sources of an Islamic Constitution are the Qur'an -- the
book of guidance to mankind revealed by Allah (God), Almighty, to
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) -- and practices (seerah) of the Prophet Muhammad
(pbuh) -- the best exemplar of Qur'anic guidance. Together
these two sources provide a comprehensive code of conduct, called Islam,
for humanity.
According to
Islam, the Creator of Heaven and Earth and the Creator and Sustainer of all
forms of life is the ONE true God (Allah). In order to awaken the
humanity of mankind, Allah (God) provided guidance in the form of
revelations starting with Adam down to other well known messengers such as
Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (may Allah's (God's) peace be upon them
all).
In Islam,
the belief in Allah (God) requires the shaping of human conduct based on
this belief. Allah (God) does not accept belief if it is not expressed in
deed, and does not accept deed if it does not conform to belief.
Human conduct is shaped through acquiring knowledge and reasoning.
Allah (God) says in the Qur'an, "Are those who know equal
with those who know not? But it is only those with understanding
who pay heed." 39:9. Also, "Acquire
knowledge," said the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
"It enables the possessor to distinguish right from wrong: it lights
the way to heaven; it sustains us in adversity; it is a weapon against
enemies and an ornament among friends. By virtue of it, Allah (God) exalts
nations, and makes them guides in good pursuits, and gives them leadership:
so much so that their footsteps are followed, their deeds are imitated, and
their opinions are accepted and held in respect."
Knowledge
and quest for a path to individual and collective excellence are the
hallmarks of Islam.
Constitutional Principles
Sovereignty of Allah (God)
Obedience to
Allah (God) takes precedence over obedience to mankind in all
actions. Actions, which are in line with Allah's (god's) guidance,
are also those that assure human excellence. Actions, which are
contrary to this guidance only degrade humanity. The words of
guidance in the Qur'an are comprehensive; they cover all aspects of human endeavor
from moral to social and political.
The
Prophet of Allah (God) as a model of human conduct
All Prophets
of Allah (God) from Adam to Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (peace be
upon them) conducted themselves according to guidance from Allah
(God). The guidance that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) received was most
comprehensive. In addition to being the Messenger for this guidance,
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) lived this guidance in all its details from being
flawless in his morals to being an excellent family man, benefactor,
legislator, statesman and strategist. Allah (God) sent Muhammad
(pbuh) as a mercy to all Mankind and blessed him with a beautiful pattern
of conduct. Following the example of the Prophet is an act of
obedience to Allah (God).
Vicegerency
The entire
progeny of Adam is entrusted with vicegerency to Allah (God). Particular
recognition of this responsibility is given to those who believe in Allah
(God) and act according to His guidance. The vicegerency manifests
itself in terms of responsibility and accountability for an individual as
well as for the community -- be it an Islamic organization or an Islamic
state. Actions affecting a group require consultations within the
group. Arbitrary and unilateral actions by a person or authority are ruled
out.
Character of Islamic Organizations and its workers
The purpose
of an Islamic organization is to bring the collective potential of the
community to bear for the good of mankind with due respect and regard to
all forms of life and nature. Every act that brings goodness is also
an act of obedience to Allah (God) and every act of obedience to Allah
(God) always brings out goodness. In order to achieve these goals,
the following are among the essential characters of individuals and
organizations:
Kindness
(ihsan):"Those who act kindly receive kindness and
more. Neither dust nor disgrace comes near their faces. They will be
inhabitants of paradise; they will live there forever." Qur'an:
10:26
Goodness
(hasanat): "Indeed, good deeds cancel bad deeds.
This is a reminder for the mindful." Qur'an: 11:114
Patience
and Perseverance (sabr): "O you
who believe, be patient and persevering, persistent; strengthen each
other. Observe your duty to Allah (God) in order that you may
prosper." Qur'an 3:200
Forgiveness
(af'u): "Practice forgiveness, promote decency,
and avoid ignorant people." Qur'an 7:199
Tolerance
(samaha): "Let there be no compulsion in
religion. The right way has been to distinguish from error; and he
who rejects false deities and believes in Allah (God) has grasped a firm
handhold which will never break. Allah (God) is Hearer, Knower." Qur'an
2:256
Humility
(karam al-ikhlaq):"The obedient to
the Beneficent are they who walk on earth modestly, and when the ignorant
address them, they say: "Peace!" Qur'an 25:63
Equity
and Justice (Qist and A'adl): "O you
who believe ! Be steadfast witness for Allah (God) in equity, and let not
the hatred of any people seduce you to deal unjustly. Do justice;
that is nearer to your duty. Observe your duty to Allah (God).
Indeed, Allah (God) is informed of what you do." Qur'an 5:9
Equality
of Mankind (musaw'at): "O people ! We
have created you from a male and a female, and have made you into
nations and tribes so that you may know one another. The noblest of
you before Allah (God) is the most Allah (god)-conscious. Allah (God)
is the Knower." (Qur'an 59:13)
The Prophet Muhammad
(pbuh) stood among the Muslims and said: "Allah (God) has relieved you
of the fanaticism of Jahiliyah (barbarism) and of its pride in your
ancestors. Whether you are a pious Mu'min (Believer in God))
or a miserable debauchee, you are the sons and daughters
of Adam and Adam is from dust."
During his
farewell address, in which he spoke to the Muslims or rather to entire Mankind,
the Prophet said:" O people, indeed, your Lord, may He be praised and
exalted, is One, and, indeed, your father (Adam) is one. Indeed,
there is no superiority for a red man over a black man except through taqwa
(God-consciousness). Have I, indeed, conveyed to you the
Message?" They said: "Yes". He said, “Let those
who are present convey it to those who are absent."
Trusts
and Promises (amanah and 'ahd): "And
those who preserve their trusts and their pledges and who attend to their
prayers are the heirs who will inherit paradise, there they will live
forever." Qur'an 23: 8-10
Truthfulness
(sidq ul-kalam): "Tell the truth when you speak. It
is one of the worst betrayals to tell your brother/sister something he/she
thinks you are being honest about when the matter is otherwise."
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
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