Vital issue for Muslim Ummah – Khilafah

The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “Verily, the knots of Islam will be undone one by one. Whenever one knot is lost then the people grabbed onto the one which came after it. The first of these knots will be the ruling and the last will be the salah.” [At-Tabaraani] 
The first knot of Islam was undone in 1924 with the destruction of the Khilafah. Since that time the Muslim Ummah has witnessed calamity upon calamity befalling her. Each year the Imam’s du’a gets longer as more and more Muslim countries fall victim to occupation, killing and oppression. Charity organisations struggle to cope as scarce resources are spread ever more thinly. So many Islamic rules are neglected to the point where even those who pray salah are harassed and treated with suspicion.

As a result many Muslims are working to retie the knots of Islam. Witnessing the occupation of their lands, resistance movements are formed to expel the occupiers. Seeing the mass poverty and economic stagnation, charity organisations are formed to alleviate some of the suffering. Witnessing the moral decay and non-adherence to Islamic rules, schools and educational programmes are established to return Muslims to their deen.

Although this good work must continue we must realise that only by retying the first knot of Islam – the Khilafah will all other knots be retied as well.

The noble Sahabah of the Prophet (saw) understood this. Their consensus (ijma) on delaying the burial of the Prophet (saw) in order to appoint a Khaleefah is a shari’ah evidence for us.

When the Prophet (saw) died a multitude of problems arose within the Islamic State. False prophets emerged, tribes apostatised from Islam and the army’s expedition to Syria was delayed. After the Sahabah appointed Abu Bakr (ra) as Khaleefah, he ordered the army under the command of Usama bin Zayd (ra) to Syria and fought the rebellious tribes. Only then was the disunity and chaos threatening the Islamic state finally abated. 

Similarly the calamities we face today will only be resolved with the re-establishment of the Khilafah.

The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “Behold, the Imam is but a shield from behind whom the people fight and by whom they protect themselves.” [Muslim]

Without this shield Muslims have witnessed their lands stolen and occupied by the western colonialists. Abdul-Hamid II, one of the last Khulafaah of the Muslims predicted this when the Zionist tried to bribe him in to giving them access to Palestine. In 1901, Theodore Hertzil, founder of the Zionist movement visited Istanbul and tried to meet with Abdul-Hamid. Abdul-Hamid refused to meet him and told his Head of the Ministers Council:

“Advise Dr Hertzil not to take any further steps in this project. I cannot give away a handful of the soil of this land for it is not my own, it is for all the Islamic Ummah. The Islamic Ummah that fought Jihad for the sake of this land and they have watered it with their blood. The Jews may keep their money and millions. If the Islamic Khilafah state is one day destroyed then they will be able to take Palestine without a price! But while I am alive, I would rather push a sword in to my body than see the land of Palestine cut and given away from the Islamic state. This is something that will not be; I will not start cutting our bodies while we are alive.”

Despite the brave efforts of Muslims resisting occupation, Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya and Kashmir still remain occupied. A future Khilafah will utilise all in its ability so that it can re-take this occupied land.

The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “The son of Adam has no better right than a house wherein he may live and a piece of cloth whereby he may hide his nakedness and a piece of bread and some water” [Tirmidhi]

It’s estimated that nearly half the world lives on less than $2 a day, a measure the World Bank defines as ‘moderate poverty’. Muslim countries rank as some of the poorest in the world with interest based debt crippling their economies and leaving them at the mercy of oppressive IMF restructuring plans. Indeed the source of all economic problems in the Muslim world is the implementation of these Capitalist economic policies.

Additionally, corrupt Muslim governments siphon off the Ummah’s wealth in to Swiss bank accounts and some even prop up western economies through their investments whilst their own people starve. Robert Baer, a former CIA agent in the Middle East wrote in Atlantic monthly, “The Saudis keep around a trillion dollars in US banks and another trillion on the stock market. If they were suddenly to withdraw all their holdings in this country, the effect … would be devastating.”

A future Khilafah will restructure the economies of the Muslim world on the basis of Islam. Natural resources such as oil and gas would be utilised for the benefit of the people not western companies. Exploitation through oppressive capitalist taxation and policies would come to an end.

During the Khilafah of Umar bin al-Khattab (ra), Medina suffered a famine. Umar utilised the resources of the whole state to combat the famine. He ordered his governor of Egypt ‘Amr bin al-As to dig a canal from the River Nile to the Red Sea to transport grain to the Arabian Peninsula. 

Allah (swt) says in the Holy Qur’an:

 “Read in the name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clinging (clot of blood). Read, and your Lord is most bounteous. Who taught by the pen. Taught man what he knew not.” 
[TMQ Al-Alaq: 1-5]

Some Muslims view poor education and literacy rates as a major source of problems in their countries. Great emphasis is placed on gaining higher education to alleviate the technological and industrial backwardness faced by much of the Muslim world. 

On closer examination we find the Muslim world is not lacking in educated Muslims. Some of the world’s top academics, scientists, engineers and doctors are Muslim. The problem is no system and infrastructure is in place in Muslim countries to utilise their skills. This is why the majority of these Muslims are found in the west. It’s all too common to find taxi drivers and waiters in Muslim countries who are degree educated because their country cannot utilise their skills.

A future Khilafah will reverse this ‘brain drain’ from the Muslim world and develop agricultural and industrial policies to develop the infrastructure and standard of living in the country. 

After the Battle of Badr the Prophet (saw) ransomed some of the prisoners of war on condition they teach 10 Muslims to read and write. In this way he (saw) used the state to institute an educational programme for the Muslims.

It’s well known that the Abbasid Khilafah was at the forefront of science and technology whilst Europe languished in the dark ages. The Khilafah provided the environment and motivation for Muslims to develop and utilise their skills.  

The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “The best amongst you is the one best in morals.” [Agreed upon]

Corruption, criminality and non-adherence to Islam are attributed to lack of Islamic knowledge and bad morals. Schools, educational programmes and study circles are all established to teach the Muslims about Islam and thus increase their taqwa and observance of the Islamic rules.

It is true that Muslims hold corrupt concepts towards Islam today which affects their behaviour. However, society does not become corrupt solely by the behaviour of individuals. Society becomes corrupt due to a corrupt system and a corrupt political awareness among the people. Even the most pious person living in a Muslim country may find himself having to pay bribes, something which is haram, in order to function normally. The fault here is the system that forces people to become corrupt in order to function on a day-to-day level. The following principle certainly holds true:

“Reform the society and this will lead to reform of the individual constantly.”

The conduct of many in the West shows their people have the lowest moral behaviour imaginable yet their systems and governments are less corrupt than the Muslim world. This is not due to secular-democracy being superior to Islam but due to their implementation of a functioning system that there populations believe in and adhere to. 

The Khilafah’s education system and societal environment will produce strong Islamic personalities who adhere to the law based on taqwa. Also a future Khilafah will establish an accountable government and effective judiciary based on taqwa that will eradicate bribery, corruption and criminality through the force of law. 

The third Khaleefah of Islam, Uthman bin Affan said, “Allah deters by the power of government (sultan) those who are not deterred by the teachings of the Qur’an.”

There is no doubt that the vital issue for Muslims is the re-establishment of the Khilafah in the Muslim world. All other calamities affecting the Muslims are symptoms of the Khilafah being absent. The scholars of Islam referred to the Khilafah as the ‘mother of all obligations (fard)’ since so many Islamic obligations cannot be established without it. 

Therefore, it is imperative for all Muslims to work with those sincere groups in this noble work and gain the greatest reward – the pleasure of Allah (swt) and entering His (swt) jannah

What is the Khilafah (Caliphate)?

Here is a brief overview of the Khilafah State.

• The Khilafah (Caliphate) is a general leadership over all Muslims in the world. Its responsibility is to implement the laws of the Islam system and convey the Islamic Message to the rest of the world. The Khilafah is also called the Imama as both words have been narrated in many sahih ahadith with the same meaning.
•  The Khilafah ruling system bears no resemblance to any of the governments in the Muslim world today. Although many commentators and historians have tried to interpret the Khilafah within existing political frameworks, it is in fact a unique political system.
• The Khaleefah (Caliph) is the head of state in the Khilafah. He is not a king or dictator but an elected leader whose authority to rule must be given willingly by the Muslims through a special ruling contact called baya. Without this baya he cannot be the head of state. This is completely opposite to a king or dictator who imposes his authority through coercion and force. The tyrant kings and dictators in the Muslim world are ample examples of this, imprisoning and torturing the Muslims and stealing their wealth and resources.
• This contract of baya stipulates that the Khaleefah must be just and rule the people by sharia. He is not sovereign and cannot legislate laws from his own mind that suit his personal and family interests. Any legislation he wishes to pass must be derived from the Islamic legal sources through a precise and detailed methodology called ijtihad. If the Khaleefah legislates any law contrary to this or commits oppression against his people, the highest and most powerful court in the State – the Unjust Acts Court (mahkamat muzalim) can impeach the Khaleefah and order his removal from office.
• The Khaleefah has been likened by some to a Pope, who is the Spiritual Head of all Muslims, infallible and appointed by God. This is not the case as the Khaleefah is not a priest. His post is an executive post within the Islamic government. He is not infallible and can make mistakes, which is why many checks and balances exist within the Islamic system to ensure he and his government remain accountable.
• The Khaleefah is not appointed by Allah rather he is elected by the Muslims and assumes authority through the contract of baya. The Khilafah is not a theocracy. Its legislation is not restricted to religious and moral codes that neglect the problems of society. Shari’ah is a comprehensive system that legislates on political, social, economic, foreign policy and judicial matters. Economic progress, elimination of poverty and enhancing the people’s standard of living are all goals the Khilafah will aim to achieve. This is completely opposite to the backward, medieval theocracies founded in Europe during the middle ages where the poor were forced to work and live in squalid conditions in return for the promise of heaven. Historically the Khilafah was an immensely wealthy state with a flourishing economy, high standard of living and a world leader in industry and scientific research for centuries.
• The Khilafah is not an empire that favours some lands above others. Nationalism and racism have no place in Islam and are totally prohibited. The Khaleefah can be from any race or colour, and from any school of thought (mazahib) as long as he is Muslim. The Khilafah is an expansionist state but does not conquer new lands in order to steal their wealth and resources. Rather its foreign policy is to convey the Islamic message alone.
• The Khilafah bears no resemblance to the republican system that is widespread in the Muslim world today. The republican system is based on democracy where sovereignty is given to the people. This means they have the right to legislate laws and a constitution. Sovereignty in Islam is to the sharia. No one in the Khilafah including the Khaleefah can legislate laws from their own minds.
•  The Khilafah is not a totalitarian state. It cannot spy on its Muslim or non-Muslim citizens. Everyone in the Khilafah has the right to express his or her opposition to policies of the state without fear of arrest or imprisonment. Torture and imprisonment without trial is completely forbidden.
• The Khilafah does not oppress its non-Muslim minorities. Non-Muslims (dhimmi) are protected by the state and not forced to leave their religions and adopt Islamic values. Rather non-Muslim citizens are protected and their homes, properties and lives cannot be violated. Imam Qarafi, a Classical Scholar summed up the responsibility of the Khilafah to the dhimmi when he said: “It is the responsibility of the Muslims to the People of the Dhimma to care for their weak, fulfil the needs of the poor, feed the hungry, provide clothes, address them politely, and even tolerate their harm even if it was from a neighbour, even though the Muslim would have an upper hand (by the fact that It is an Islamic state). The Muslims must also advise them sincerely on their affairs and protect them against anyone who tries to hurt them or their family, steal their wealth, or violates their rights.”

• Women in the Khilafah are not regarded as inferior or second class citizens. Islam gave women the right to wealth, property rights, rights over marriage and divorce as well as a place in society. Islam established a public dress code for women – the Khimar and Jilbab in order to establish a productive society free from the type of negative and harmful relationships prevalent in the west.
• Establishing the Khilafah and appointing a Khaleefah is obligatory on all Muslims in the world, male and female. Performing this duty (fard) is the same as performing any other duty which Allah (SWT) has ordered us, where no complacency is allowed. Indeed the Khilafah is a vital issue for the Muslims. 
• The future Khilafah will undoubtedly usher in a new era of peace, stability and prosperity for the Muslim world and beyond, ending years of oppression by some of the worst tyrants this world has ever seen. The days of colonialism and exploitation of the Muslim world will finally come to an end, and the Khilafah will utilise all resources at its disposal to further the interests of Islam and Muslims as well as establish an alternative for the people of the world to the Capitalist system.

The System of Islam

 

Islam is the deen revealed by Allah SWT upon Muhammad PBUH to organize the relationship of man with his Creator, with himself, and with other human beings. Man’s relationship with his Creator includes the ‘aqaid (creeds) and the acts of worship. Man’s relationship with himself includes the moral code, diet, and clothing. Man’s relationship with other humans involves societal transactions and the penal code. Hence, Islam is an ideology addressing all life affairs. It is not a theology that deals with priestly matters, whatsoever. It does away with authocracy (the dichotomy of clergy) for there is not a group called the clergy and another group called temporal. All those who embrace Islam are considered Muslims and are equal (in terms of obligation and rights) from the viewpoint of Islam. Hence there is no clergy and secular/temporal men, for its spiritual aspect means that all things are created by a Creator and organized by His order. Such a profound view of man, life and the universe and what surrounds them and what is related to them, necessarily shows that all of these are defective (naaqis), deficient (a’ajiz), and needy (multtaj). This confirms beyond doubt that all these are created by a Creator, governed by His commands and that man, when he proceeds in this life, needs a system to organize the satisfaction and fulfillment of his instincts and organic needs. This system cannot emanate from man as he is deficient and lacks comprehensive knowledge. Furthermore, man’s ability to set such a system is subject to differences, inconsistency, and contradiction. This will produce a system full of contradiction that will lead to man’s misery. The system must, therefore, come from Allah SWT. Thus it is obligatory that man conducts his actions according to a system from Allah SWT. However, if man complied with the Islamic system based on the pursuit of the material benefit of this system and not because the system was from Allah SWT, it will be devoid of a spiritual aspect. Therefore, man must organize his actions in life by the commands and prohibitions of Allah SWT based upon his comprehension of his relationship with Allah SWT so that the spirit would exist when man undertake his actions. This is because spirit is man’s observation of his relationship with Allah SWT. The mixing of matter with spirit is the presence of the comprehension of the relationship with Allah SWT the moment that the action is performed, so he (man) proceeds according to the commands and prohibitions of Allah, based on comprehending this relationship with Allah SWT. An action is a matter, and the comprehension of the relationship with Allah when performing this action is spirit (ruH). Thus directing one’s actions according to the commands and prohibitions of Allah SWT based on the comprehension of this relationship – is mixing matter with ruh. Accordingly, when a non-Muslim acts according to the AHkam Shara’iah which are derived from the Qur’an and Sunnah, his actions are not directed by spirit, and the mixing of matter and spirit does not exist in his actions. This is due to the fact that he did not believe in Islam and did not comprehend the relationship with Allah SWT. He simply appreciated the system and thus organized his actions accordingly. This is in contrast to a Muslim who undertakes his actions according to Allah’s SWT commands and prohibitions based upon his comprehension of his relationship with Allah SWT and whose goal in complying with the commands and prohibitions of Allah SWT is attaining Allah’s SWT pleasure and not just the benefit the system provides. Therefore, it is necessary that the spiritual aspect exists in things and that the spirit (ruH) exists when undertaking actions. It must be clear for all that the spiritual aspect means that the thing is created by a Creator i.e. the relationship of the created (thing) with the Creator, while the spirit is the comprehension of this relationship, i.e .man’s comprehension of his relationship with Allah SWT. This is the correct concept (of the spiritual aspect and of the spirit) and all other concepts are false. It is the profound and enlightened view to the universe, man, and life that has led to the correct results and to this correct concept.

Islam is an ‘aqeedah and system. The ‘aqeedah is the belief in Allah SWT, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Day of Judgement, and al-QaDaâa wal Qadar, the good and the bad are from Allah SWT. Islam builds the ‘aqeedah, which the mind can comprehend, on the mind. This includes the existence of Allah SWT, the Prophethood of Muhammad PBUH and the Qur’an. The aspects of the ‘aqeedah which are beyond the senses (ghayb) such as the Day of Judgement, Angels, Paradise, and Hell, are all based upon and proved by conclusive textual evidences (daleel naqli) namely, the Qur’an ul-Kareem and the hadith mutawatir which are themselves built upon rational proofs. Islam has made the intellect the foundation for (legal) responsibility.

The systems are aHkam Sharai’ah which organize man’s affairs. The Islamic system handled all of man’s affairs in general form and by general meanings, enabling one to derive detailed rules from these general meanings when carrying out the implementation. Thus Qur’an and  Sunnah include general outlines i.e. general meanings to deal with man’s problems in his capacity as a human being leaving the mujtahideen to deduce from these general meanings partial judgments for problems that occur throughout the different times and places.

Islam has one consistent approach in solving problems. It invites the mujtahid to thoroughly study the issue till he understands it and then to study the relevant shar’ai texts and finally deduce the solution for the issue from the texts. The mujtahid thus deduces the Hukm shar’ai for this question from the shar’ai evidences; and Islam has no use of any other method. Any issue facing man should be however studied as only a human problem. It should not be studied partially as an economic, social, political or any other type of question. It should be rather studied as a (human) question requiring hukm shar’ai in order to know the Hukm of Allah SWT related to it.

…This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.. {Surah Maidah Ayat 3}

And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers. {Surah Aal-E-Imran Ayat 85}

THE ONLY WAY TO ACHIEVE SALVATION IS TO ADHERE WITH SHARIAH (QURAN AND SUNNAH) AND IMPLEMENT THESE COMMANDMENTS IN YOUR LIFE. MAY ALLAH SWT SHOW US THE RIGHT PATH AND ALLOW US TO ADHERE ON IT.