Ahmadiyyat or The True Islam — Page 276
276 ticular attention to the systematic instruction of the people. In the battle of Badr, the Muslims took some prisoners who knew how to read and write. The Holy Prophet sa offered to release them in consideration of their instructing Muslim children in the elements of reading and writing. Another duty of the State is to assist people who are skilled in some art or craft, but have not the where- withal to carry it on. The Holy Quran directs that such people should be given assistance from public funds. It is the duty of an Islamic State to establish and maintain peace and order within its dominions. This duty is laid on it by the Holy Quran which strongly reproves those promoting disorder or disturbance, and says that the rulers whose neglect leads to disorder and oppression, are answerable for their conduct to God. The Holy Prophet sa has described an ideal Islamic State as a government within whose territories a woman may travel far and wide alone and unattended, without encountering any danger. Another duty of the State is to arrange for the procurement of supplies that may be needed by the people. During the early caliphate the Khalifas took pains to see that this duty was not neglected. During periods of scarcity ration tickets were issued which enabled the people to purchase provisions from gov- ernment stores. Another duty laid on the State is the maintenance of roads and thoroughfares to facilitate communication and intercourse. In the early days of Islam when no