If a human being is considered as a mere physical body...

If a human being is considered as a mere physical body, the ultimate aspirations for him would be to be well provided materially and his welfare, comfort and happiness be ensured. From this perspective, all efforts would be directed toward animal needs and pleasure.

However, if we treat man as superior to materiality, and lay the foundation of a political system based on the multi-faceted material and spiritual dimensions of human existence, a government would pursue man’s material welfare and spiritual ascension.

It is through this criterion and outlook on man and the choice of ideals that we shall examine the political thoughts as well as the performance of governments; because the origin of political thoughts is the very insight and ideal and without them political thoughts have no essence. Nowadays, in the realm of political discussions, only a few pay attention to the fundamental perspective on man and his sublime aspirations.

The sociological approach focuses mainly on the material benefits totally sidetracking human aspiration and insight. Yet, it must be noted that in the school [ maktab ] of the prophets ( ‘a ),[^1] who were the true custodians of the establishment of exalted humane systems, optimism and idealism have been the foundation of movement and transformation.

It is for this reason that through a comprehensive perspective consistent with the Qur’an, we realize that the creation of man, life and death, the sending down of the prophets ( ‘a ), and socio-religious systems are all based on a purpose, and the axis of all activities and programs, including the setting up of government, is guidance [ hidayah ] toward that basic purpose.

As such, governments must be set up not only for the physical administration of societies but for their spiritual growth as well. One-dimensional governments strive only for the material welfare and comfort of people. If, however, they are in pursuit of man’s material comfort and spiritual ascension, they will also engage in guiding him. Man possesses God’s spirit, and the essence of his existence consists of spiritual and celestial dimensions beyond the base material ones.

To confine him to physical administration without spiritual guidance is tantamount to belittling him.