The Economic System of Islam — Page 5
5 be the absolute ruler or authority. The ultimate authority and decision rests with God Almighty. Any ruler, king, dictator or parliamentarian, who is entrusted with the affairs of a state, is answerable before God for the laws he enacts in this world. If laws promote things that God has forbidden or prohibit things that God has ordained, then such rulers will stand guilty before God Almighty just as insubordinate and rebellious servant is made to stand before his master. Regardless of their status— whether they be a king, dictator or a parliamentarian—they will surely be punished by God Almighty for their actions. Thus the above-quoted verse does not imply that every person who gains authority is appointed by God Himself. Instead, it means that if a person is given authority within his circle of influence, he must rule within the limits prescribed by God Himself—the ultimate authority. Doing otherwise would be considered sinful. It is true, however, that under certain circumstances, God does directly appoint people in authority, who are noble and just, but their rule is spiritual not worldly. Injunctions for Those in Authority The Holy Quran states that some among the rulers are such that: 4 4 S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:206, (publishers)