Argument from Islamic Jurisprudence

governance throughout the world. This means that this interpretation articulates the work we are tasked with by Allah, which must be carried out universally for both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. No matter where we are or in what condition we find ourselves, this is the mission entrusted to us by Allah, and it is for this that we must remain active. This is the call found in the literature of the interpretation under discussion that is spread across all books. However, the issue of the appointment of an Imamate has no connection to such a mission. The obligation of appointing an Imam is determined specifically in relation to the Muslims’ own sphere of action, not the entire world. It is another matter that when this Imamate is established, non-Muslims living in its territory also come under its jurisdiction, and many of its rulings apply to them as well. However, when the theologians say, “al-muslimoon la budda lahum min imaam” (Al-Aqaid al-Nasafiyyah with the commentary of Taftazani, p. 467), meaning that it is essential for Muslims to have an Imam; or when they say, “nasb al-imaam ‘indana wajibun” (Al-Mawaqif fi ‘Ilm al-Kalam by Al-Iji, p. 395), meaning that appointing a leader over themselves is obligatory for Muslims—this statement refers to a duty that concerns the Muslim community itself. That is, it does not mean that “Muslims are obliged to establish an Islamic government over all believers