Following from the above...

Following from the above, such a government will last longer since a government based upon spiritual principles has greater staying power and lasts longer than a secular one. Question: Describe an Islamic system of government. Answer: This question needs ideally a detailed survey of the various institutions which appertain to such a government but suffice it here to outline some of them and some of the factors that will take priority in a system founded upon Islam: The judiciary. The army.

The treasury. Freedom in its various forms. Solving disputes and problems. The prosperity of the nation. Of these six items, the first three are among the basic constituents of any nation since the law exists to enforce justice within the country, the army to repel an enemy and the like and a treasury is required to provide for the judiciary, the army and other institutions. The last three concern the welfare of the nation and its progress. Question: How does Islam regard the judiciary?

Answer: The judiciary in Islam is uncomplicated, speedy and free of charge. One judge is sufficient to deal with the litigations of a large town in the simplest fashion by people merely having to report to him for a ruling and, moreover, without paying any legal charges. The plaintiff is asked if he has evidence for what he alleges. If he has, then judgement is given accordingly and if he cannot produce evidence, then judgement will be in favour of the defendant.

Once the judgement has been announced this is the end of the case. In this way one judge was sufficient for the needs of a large city like al-Kufa for a period of almost half a century. Question: What about the army in Islam? Answer: The army in Islam as we gather from various authorities is open to all and you join it by choice and it is not a great burden on those who join.

The ruler establishes camps outside the cities, sets up the necessary facilities and commends the idea of military training to the people. It is clear that the kind of training envisaged will be popular and there will be great response seeing that a man will only be required to give up a portion of each day for military service, whereas for the remaining hours he is free to busy himself as he chooses.

Also military expenditure will not overburden the government since all it will have to provide are the essential requirements. The concept of the army in Islam even in a modern context can be likened to a sports team.