Part One: SEERAH (Biographical Sketch) CHAPTER

C:\Users\Admin\Dropbox\The Message - Material of Maulana\16. Books and Review\Apa's Books\Life And 50 an excellent example of what role the religious scholars had to play to keep the kings in check. That is why in later periods of Islamic history, when dynastic rule had become the order of the day among the Muslims, the rulers, more or less, could not deviate far from the Islamic principles of justice. For instance, the ruler had to come to the mosque to pray with the public, he had to spend the money of the Treasury to fulfil the requirements of the public, he had to discharge his religious responsibilities and see to it that the public had no difficulty in discharging its religious rites. Anyone could approach the kings to register his or her complaint. And there was a proper arrangement by the government for the free religious education of the people, etc. From our study of the Quran, Hadith and Islamic history, we come to this conclusion: 1. The position of political rule in Islam is not that of the target of action, but is rather the result of action. That is to say, fulfilling the criteria of faith and good deeds alone makes one deserving of political power. 2. There is no hard and fast rule for the political structure in Islam. Rather we find great flexibility. 3. Although there may be adjustment so far as the political structure is concerned, there can be no adjustment or concession so far as the Islamic spirit is concerned. 4. According to the study of the hadith, our actions towards political reform will be limited to the giving of advice, i.e. by peaceful means. This will never go to the extent of launching violent movements aimed at ousting the rulers. As the traditions have it: “When you find corruption among the rulers, you must pay your due and ask your due from God. It is as if the principle of Jesus Christ is also accepted in Islam: “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Luke: 20:26). The Quran tells us: “God enjoins you to do justice.” This justice in its basic sense, pertains to individual character. It demands that everyone in his