The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 535
XII - First Era of Life in Madīnah Comes to an End and the Islāmic System of Government 535 sacrifice, firm faith that they were fighting for the truth, a deep feeling that they were so greatly without means that until they became prepared to exert their utmost effort, they would have no chance of survival, and then, the unimaginable magnetic force of the Holy Prophet sa himself, and his remarkable strategies of war, etc. These elements infused such strength into this handful of Muslims, that it could not be defeated by even the most barbaric force of the countless Arab armies. As a result of this five year war, the disbelievers of Arabia knew for a fact that now the surmise of attacking Madīnah, expunging Islām and eliminating the Muslims was a futile notion, which could never be fulfilled. They realised that now alternate strategies were required in order to defeat the Muslims. This very change in the mindset of the disbelievers was the sign of a new era in Islām. Islāmic System of Government Since one feature among the two main distinctions of this new era was the establishment of a purely Islāmic government, at this instance, it would be appropriate to mention the fundamental teaching, which the Founder of Islām presented with respect to the system of government. First and foremost, in this regard, it should be understood that as per the practice of Islām in other worldly issues, Islām has only presented one primary teaching and has left the details to be settled by the circumstances of every era, country and nation. In actuality, as far as issues of this nature are concerned, it is this very method which is most sensible and appropriate. In other words, fundamental guidance should be given but matters of detail should be left open. For if this practice is not employed and a single rigid, unchangeable, and detailed law is applied in every era and nation without taking a variance of circumstances into account, it is obvious that religious law shall become a curse instead of a source of mercy; and instead of disseminating guidance shall become a means of misguidance. Hence, with immense wisdom, Islām has only given fundamental guidance in this respect, which may be equally applied in reasonably differing circumstances of all types.