The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 558
Seal of the Prophets - Volume II 558 comprehensive that it can serve as a lamp of guidance for every era and nation despite a reasonable variance in details. Furthermore, even the politicians of the advanced western countries of this day and age have been unable to present the world with a more successful system in political philosophy. It is obvious that the fundamental principles of politics are four in number. Firstly, that the appointment of an Amīr or Head of State should be based on some principle, whether it be due to a right of inheritance, a hereditary right, by the vote of a few people in particular, or by the consultation of the majority or masses. Secondly, when a person takes charge of his position as leader, what method of governance should be employed? Should the system be autocratic and dictatorial, or based on the opinion and consultation of the people in accordance with some law? Thirdly, how should people deal with their Amīr ? Should they follow a course of cooperation and obedience to the furthest extent, or oppose him in everything which is against their own view, and create hindrances for him, and stand up against him with a large clamor on their own accord whenever they feel a threat to their rights, or consider an action of the Amīr to be worthy of objection? Fourthly, if the conduct of an Amīr is actually unlawful, worthy of objection, he reaches an extreme state which becomes difficult to bear, and insists upon his cruel practice, then what course of action should be employed in such a case? As far as these four principle issues are concerned, Islām has presented a such teaching which is the essence of the best form of politics. For the welfare of humanity, and peace and harmony of the world, such a foundation has been established by this teaching, that if one follows it, the relationship between a leader and his people cannot deteriorate in the first place. If, ever, they do happen to deteriorate, the country remains secure from its dangerous and detrimental results. This teaching was given by the Holy Prophet sa in a time when hereditary and dictatorial rule was primarily prevalent in the world and most countries were oblivious to even the thought of cooperation and consultation. Relations with Non-Muslims Before this note is brought to a close, it would not be out of place to mention the teaching which has been given by Islām with respect to relations with other non-Muslim governments or non-Muslim citizens who live in an Islāmic State. In this regard, first and foremost, the principle presented by Islām states that the standard of equity and justice should be equally