The Economic System of Islam — Page 4
4 Authority Emanates from Allah The Holy Quran categorically declares that authority emanates from God and no individual has any inherent right over it. It is stated: 3 That is, O you who is being addressed, declare that: ‘O Allah, Lord of sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whomsoever You please; and You take away sovereignty from whomsoever You please. You exalt whomsoever You please and You abase whomsoever You please. In Your hand is all good. You surely have power to do all things. ’ This verse reminds us that whenever an individual gains authority, it is a trust from God Himself. This does not mean that every ruler and person in authority—no matter how cruel, corrupt, foul or worthless he might be—is appointed by God as His representative. Rather this verse implies that circumstances that lead one to gain authority are created by God. Thus, if someone attains authority, it is due to him taking advantage of God’s created circumstances. Since authority comes from God, anyone who gains authority or power in this world can at most consider himself as a subordinate and trustee of God. He cannot consider himself to 3 S u rah A l-e-‘Imr a n, 3:27, (publishers)