ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Shia Rebuts Question 21: Is according to Islam religion separate from politics? Reply: First of all we had better clarify the meaning of “politics” so that its relationship with religion may become clear. There are two interpretations for the word “politics”: Sometimes, politics is interpreted as “trickery, ruse, and the use of every possible means to reach a particular objective”. In other words, the end justifies the means.

In fact, this interpretation of politics, apart from its being inconsistent with the real sense of the word, does not mean but deceit and treachery and this meaning is not compatible with religion. The second interpretation of “politics” is the management of social life affairs by applying the principles of Islam in various aspects. Politics which means management of the affairs of the Muslims according to the Qur’an and the Sunnah is an integral part of religion.

We shall elaborate here on the idea of the concordance of religion and politics and the need for establishing government: The most vivid evidence which substantiates this idea is the conduct of the Holy Prophet (S) during the period of his mission which was full of ups and downs.

On studying the words and practices of the Messenger of Allah (S), we become fully aware that from the outset of his mission, he was in pursuit of establishing a strong government founded on faith in God and capable of implementing the agenda and programs of Islam. At this juncture, it is worth citing some of the instances of the Prophet’s efforts to achieve this aim: The Prophet (S) as the founder of Islamic government 1.

When the Messenger of Allah (S) was ordered to publicize his divine mission, he started to organize the nucleus of resistance and guidance and mobilize Muslims. Along this line, he used to meet groups of pilgrims coming from far and near to visit the Ka‘bah , inviting them to Islam.

Meanwhile, he held a meeting with two groups of the people from Medina at a place called “‘Aqabah” and they pledged to invite him to their city and give him support.[^1] So, this was the first step toward establishing an Islamic government. 2.

After his emigration { hijrah } to Medina, the Messenger of Allah (S) started to found and organize a powerful and dignified army corps—an army that fought 82 battles during the period of the Prophet’s mission and managed, through glorious victories, to remove the hurdles and set up the Islamic government. 3.