INDIVIDUAL, SOCIETY AND STATE

in society, there will definitely prevail a peaceful atmosphere which is a prerequisite for the healthy growth and development of both the individual personality and the social system at large. It is only in an atmosphere of such peaceful social order that the rights of individuals and communal harmony are ensured, and the higher values of brotherhood, cooperation and altruism are sincerely observed; and, finally, the projects of common welfare, progress and prosperity are successfully achieved. To sum up, when the ideals of Islam are consciously put into practice by its adherents, there will emerge a society that will be appreciably more secure, free of violence and naturally cooperative, progressive, prosperous, good-enhancing and evil-resisting. State What is a state? It is an organized political community under one government. Islam does not prescribe any particular form or structure of the state. Nevertheless, Islamic teachings seem to be so comprehensive that they embrace all essential issues of life including the state and its related national or international problems as well. What is an Islamic state? A state governed by Muslims is not necessarily an Islamic state. Apart from its monotheistic doctrinal basis, an Islamic state would, in practice, be identified with the summum bonum principle of ‘no-compulsion.’ No compulsion should be exercised, either before or after the gaining of power. For power gained through compulsion or power used for compulsion in any sphere whatsoever, particularly in religious matters, is strictly prohibited and condemned in Islam. That is why the coercive forms of states, though governed by Muslim dictators, have never been considered ideal Islamic states by the scholars of Islam. Islam, moreover, does not allow its followers to rebel against any established state, even though it may not seem to be in accordance with the Islamic ideal. Compulsion on the part of the state should never be resisted by means of counter-compulsion, i.e. it has to be countered through negotiation, backed up by conviction. This ensures such stability of law and order as will subsequently help promote Islamic values, and this may gradually prepare a firm ground for a real Islamic state to stand on. Submission to God is the only true religion for both man and the universe.