By Comrade Shuaib Isa Ahmad
Everybody yearns to live in a free environment, devoid of injustice and oppression. However, after experiencing the potholes of monarchical, democratic, socialist, communist, fascist, capitalist and imperialist systems of government, none seems to be a suitable option.
For example, democracy claims to endorse the rule of the majority, while protecting the rights of the minority but is that really the case?
It is known to many that the structure of democracy depends upon the will of the majority.
Thus,base on historic facts ,the will of the majority is not always the ethical or moral position that one should take.
Considering issues like slavery, gender inequality discrimination and racism in many countries in the past, the perspective of those with the most votes says that society deserves to have those elements.
What if some people finds themselves outside of the will of the majority?
Remembering “the right to vote is a consequence, not a primary cause, of a free social system.” “And its value depends on the constitutional structure implementing and strictly delimiting the voters’ power; unlimited majority rule is an instance of the principle of tyranny”, said Ayn Rand, we can clearly see the danger of the so called democracy whenever the majority can pull the strings of society without there being a profound legislation in place to protect the rights of the minority citizens.
Hence , it will surely pave way to a severe risk of oppression against the minority population.
We must remember that some classes of people in the U.S. have only had the right to vote for less than a century most especially the black race and even women.
Furthermore, the 'majority' isn't always right, especially with excessive corruption in countries like Nigeria.
Surprisingly, most shrink away from even considering an Islamic System of Government, about which there are massive misconceptions.
Immediately an Islamic System is mentioned, most people's minds go to severed hands and slaughtered necks, and a fierce antagonism is awakened, without taking note of the pillars upon which the system is actually built.
The truth is, a true Islamic System would establish ideal living conditions and well-being of the society in such a way that no right-thinking person would even think of committing heinous crimes like theft, adultery and rape, let alone get punished for them.
But all that requires the cleansing of the hearts of the inhabitants of the society towards a common goal. For example, would it be normal for a person with a decent share in the national treasury, living in a just society decked with social amenities and favorable living and working conditions to steal from the grocer's?
An Islamic system would typically try to eliminate vices from their roots, ridding the society of their ill effects, rather than treating or managing their symptoms and results, making the Islamic system stand out from other systems due to its ethical basis and its capability to solve social, economic and political problems.
This involves levelling social strata, justice and equity.
"But how can this be achieved?" many would say. This made me resolve to enlighten the public on what an Islamic System really is, the like of which is championed by Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky(H).
Sometimes, the uninformed layman is not to blame; with the distorted image of Islam portrayed by mainstream media, it's difficult to filter out truth from falsehood.
There's a marked difference between an Islamic government and other types of governments, as the Islamic system of government is built upon highly accomodating islamic laws and guidelines. In actuality, the idea of terrorism in the pure religion of Islam is nothing but propaganda of enemies plotting to annihilate Islam who recruit ignorant zealots as their henchmen.
As for those thinking that an Islamic System would side-line non-muslims, they can make their research from reliable sources. Didn't the Holy Prophet Muhammad live with non-violent non-muslims peacefully in the same city? These citizens were under the protection of the Islamic state and were not forced to accept Islam. Rather, they joined the religion of their own volition after witnessing the nature of the path. In fact, the Glorious Qur'an says: ". لاَ إِكْرَاهَ فِي الدِّينِ , meaning: "There is no compulsion in religion."
Hence , do not force anyone to become Muslim, for Islam is plain and clear, and its proofs and evidence are plain and clear.
Meanwhile, Islamic system of Government shouldn't be confused with having some created groups from Wahabi and Islamophobic elements such as ISIS/ Boko Haram/Islamists/Islamic states in Syria etc, or having governors, Presidents or heads of state who claim Islamic identity.
Nay, for it often happens that a ruler may have a Muslim name and claim an Islamic identity but act contrary to Islamic principles.
Such tyrannical rulership or ruling cliques, as can be seen in some countries claiming to be Islamic, shouldn't be used to define the Islamic System of Government.
Unfortunately, there are misunderstandings and misgivings held by some muslims with the faulted notion of separating religion from politics.
This is while enforcement of laws and regulations, as well as protection of lives and property can only be achieved with a standard government.
And the Islamic religion, being a complete way of life, leaves no stone unturned in coordinating life for all humanity.
Contrary to some opinions, Islam isn't against technological and industrial advancement, nor is it an uncivilized religion with dogmatic followership and a clear demarcation between religion and politics, as the leadership of the society goes a long way in determining its progress.
Our beloved country Nigeria was granted independence in 1960 , while Iran established an Islamic system of government in 1979.
What are our achievements from 1960 to date economically , socially , politically , militarily and technologically ?
Is our health sector working perfectly ? What about our educational system?
If we have "achieved alot" then compare it with the achievements of the Islamic Republic of Iran from 1979 to date.
Despite our numerous resources , are the masses benefitting from the resources? More than 70% of our population are living in poverty, why ?
Yes ,an example of a truly functional Islamic system of government in the 21st century can be seen in the Islamic Republic of Iran, where, after a revolution which occurred in the 20th century, an Islamic System was established.
The revolution and reformation of the society was achieved despite unfavourable social and political challenges. The result is what is termed by Ayatollah Khomeini as Wilayatul Faqih
(Governance of the Jurist), where the country is ultimately coordinated by learned jurists who are just and dedicated towards establishing an accomodating atmosphere for proper implementation of Islamic laws while facilitating the awakening and reformation of citizens, as well as annihilation of blind monarchical and deceptive systems with precepts such as the untouchability or immunity of rulers.
In addition to qualities such as intelligence, capability and prudence necessary in leaders, in the Islamic system, knowledge of laws and justice are principal qualities required of a leader. Such a leader would never be selfish or carried away by the luster of authority, or even the status and power that comes with it.
Rather, a true leader in an Islamic system of government would be more concerned with discharging duties and responsibilities as well as serving the people ( both muslims and non muslims)
To a rational mind, isn't this the best system of government?
Comrade Shuaib Isa Ahmad
shuaibahmad400@gmail.com
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