Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 277
277 17 Public Affairs THE PRINCIPLES GOVERNING THE ADMI- nistration of public affairs are a part of social values. The first matter that calls for notice in this context is the concept of the state. Here again the basic concept is that sovereignty over the universe belongs to God, but that mankind, God’s vicegerents, are invested with authority in certain spheres, as a trust, for which they are answerable and accountable to God. The Prophet has said: “Everyone of you is a shepherd, and everyone of you is accountable for that which is committed to his care. ” Inasmuch as God’s sovereignty extends over the whole universe, the ultimate ideal of a state in Islam is a universal federation, or confederation, of autonomous states, associated together for upholding freedom of conscience and for the maintenance of peace and co-operation in promoting human welfare throughout the world. In pursuit of this idea, the Islamic state, established by the Prophet, which spread rapidly westward through Egypt and North Africa to