The Essence of Obedience

is a reward granted by Allah to the believers as a result of their sincere adherence to religion.” Supporters of this interpretation strongly criticize this view. They list Islam’s political and social commandments and question how these could be fulfilled if gaining government power were not essential. However, both sides are mistaken in this debate. The correct understanding is that it is the duty of an independent Muslim society to establish a political system based on Islam among themselves, as Shariah cannot be implemented on a societal level without such a system. But where Muslims are not in such a position, the program that Islam gives them for their external life is not the establishment of political leadership, but calling people to awareness of God’s creation plan and giving glad tidings. In carrying out this mission, whatever stages may arise, they should remain fully steadfast in it. In the first case, establishing a government is the duty of the believers. In the second case, gaining government is a reward from God. The issue of appointing an imam (a ruler or head of state) relates to this final situation, which is unanimously considered obligatory. For example, here are a few references: Nasb al-imam ‘indana wajib (Sharh al-Mawaqif, al-