Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues — Page 242
242 islam’s response to contemporary issues O ye who believe, be strict in observing justice and bear witness only for the sake of Allah, even if it be against your ownselves or against parents or kindred. Whether the person be rich or poor. In either case, Allah is more regardful of him than you could be. Therefore, follow not vain desires so that you may act equitably. And if you conceal the truth or evade it, then remember that Allah is well aware of that which you do. 13 The traditions of the Holy Prophet sa of Islam are very clear on this subject. He holds every ruler and anyone in authority over another, in the way he treats his subjects or those under his authority, as being directly answerable to God. But since these discussions have already been exhausted earlier, we need not discuss them further. The substance of this study is that Islam propounds a completely neutral central government in which the matters of statecraft are common and equally applicable to all subjects of the state and religious differences are allowed to play no part therein. Islam most certainly admonishes Muslims to follow the rule of the law in all worldly matters. O ye who believe, obey Allah and obey His Messenger and those who are in authority among you. Then if you differ in anything refer it to Allah and His Messenger if you are believers in Allah