If therefore religion regards its teachings as the source of...

If therefore religion regards its teachings as the source of salvation and happiness of society it must give thought to the system of rule propose a specific system of governance equipped with all the necessary laws and ordinances. Only then will it be able to establish religion in society and clear the way for God's religion to advance.

Both in Islam and in the monotheistic religions that preceded it particular attention was paid to the establishment of a suitable system of government an entirely logical concern for the founders of different schools of religious thought were unwilling to abandon the fruits of their efforts to the vicissitudes of history. Islamic government - i.e.

the administration of the ummah on the basis of Islamic law - began with the migration of the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him and his family and his arrival in Madinah; it was then that the system of Islamic government began to take shape.

From the very first day that the Messenger of God laid the foundations of Islamic monotheism despite the hostility of the corrupt and misguided polytheists whom lie had left behind in Makkah and began expanding the power of Islam in Madinah in all its aspects political economic geographical and cultural he entrusted the administration of certain matters to ( 137 ) responsible and capable elements so that they might contribute to the advancement of the community.

Throughout the battles and wars that took place in order to remove the obstacles that stood in the way of spreading the truth and to establish justice new lands would come under the control of the Muslims. The Prophet would immediately appoint in each of these lands a governor and a judge as well as a teacher whose task it was to teach religion to the people. Protection was also extended to the non-Muslims inhabiting these territories and whatever humane cultural values they cherished.

The Qur'an recognizes the Prophet to have had the functions of ruler (Hakim) and judge (Qadi) for it addresses him as follows: "Judge among them according to what your Lord has sent down to you and follow not their vain desires." (5:48) The prophets were indeed the founders of divine government on earth and they constituted the principal resource for the establishment of a righteous government that would serve the broad masses of the people.