Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 278
278 Spain, and eastward through Iraq, Iran, and Central Asia to the confines of China, instituted a single citizenship entailing over all allegiance to a single head of state, the Khalifa (meaning vicegerent or successor) who was the guardian of the Pax Islamica and was responsible for the welfare of all sections of the vast population united and inspired by common ideals. With the decline of moral and spiritual values, the ideal was neglected. The central authority weakened progressively until allegiance to the Khalifa was reduced to a mere formality and local rulers became virtually independent. Islam takes note of the diversity that exists among nations and peoples, and promulgates directives for beneficent administration of public affairs. These directives, as relevant to the present-day world situation as to the times in which they were first revealed, can lead mankind forward to the achievement of the ideal for which it has striven and toward which it still works. A study of the Quran reveals that it contemplates two types of states, having the same ideals and objectives, but differing with regard to the scope of the authority of the state and the manner of its establishment. In this respect, also, the ideal is a state in which the head of state exercises authority in both the secular and the spiritual spheres. The Quran says: “Allah has promised to those among you who