Khilafat-e-Rashidah — Page 116
116 KHILAFAT-E-R A SHIDAH destruction. If they had comprehended this point the hereditary kingship that prevailed among the Muslims and caused the destruction of the Islamic government, would have been avoided. Moreover, they would have become the first and true pioneers of the development of democracy. Establishment of Purely Religious Organization when Differences Prevent Setting up an All-encompassing System I have stated that the cited verse provides the need of the establishment of purely religious organization in a situation when there are controversies in the secular arrangements. This is because all the Muslims are addressed in this verse, and they are directed to obey “ those in authority among them ” at all times. There is no restriction of any period to obey those in authority, Rather, there is a command to obey them in every situation and in every age. If somebody says that the command to obey “those in authority” is for the time being, then it will have to be assumed that obedience to Allah and His Prophet are also temporary, because God has first commanded to “obey Allah and obey His messenger”. Since the command to obey God and His Messenger is for all times and for every age therefore the command to obey “the authorities” should be for every situation and for every age. In fact, by this verse, Allah, the Almighty has drawn the attention of Muslims to the