Some belief systems are by their nature spiritual. By this, it is meant that they relate only to the cogniscance of a creator or organiser of the universe, and they address only the relationship of individuals to that creator. An example of this is Buddhism, where emphasis is laid upon spiritualty, rather than organisation of society and lifes affairs. Thus, Buddhism can be called a spiritual ‘aqeedah. Other creeds are entirely political. For example, in Communism, the existence of a creator is denied, and its belief therefore does not raise the issue of the relationship of the individual with a creator. However, Communism addresses the affairs of human beings, and it lays down rules regarding how they should organise their lives, particularly in reference to the economic aspect. Thus, Communism is a political ‘aqeedah.
The Islamic ‘aqeedah, however, is different. It obliges us to believe in Allah (swt) and to follow the example of Muhammad (saw), the last and final Messenger sent to mankind. Also, from the sources of Shari‘ah, the Qur’an and the Sunnah, emanate all the laws and rules that humanity needs to organise individual and societal life. In this way, the Islamic creed is unique from other beliefs in that it is a spiritual and political ‘aqeedah.
The laws and systems of life of Islam are applicable for all times and places. They are not to be viewed as abstract, theoretical rules. Rather, they have to be implemented in society over mankind. Allah (swt) says,
“It is He who has sent the Messenger with the guidance and the deen of truth, so that it may prevail over all other deens, even if the idolaters detest it.” [TMQ 9:33].
Allah (swt) has ordered us to rule and judge by nothing but Islam. Indeed the Shari‘ah is comprehensive, dealing with every aspect of life. There is no way for Muslims to refer to the laws of the kuffar for solutions. As well, it is the kuffar by the guidance of whose hands the Islamic State was destroyed in 1924. It is the British government who is responsible for giving part of Kashmir to the Indian Hindus in 1947. We should not fail to remember the conniving deal of ‘Lord’ Mountbatten in allowing the kuffar domination over Muslims in India. And we should not forget that it was the British government that allowed the Jews into Palestine in the 1920s and 30s, resulting in Muslim bloodshed and the creation of the Zionist state of Israel. There is no way for Muslims to be part of, or refer to the institutions of kufr like parliament, United Nations or European Community. Allah (swt) says,
“Whosoever judges by other than what Allah has revealed, such are the disbelievers.” [TMQ 5:44]
“It is not fitting for a believer, man or woman, that when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger to have any opinion about the decision. If anyone disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he is indeed on a clearly wrong path.” [TMQ 33:36]
“Never will Allah allow for the disbelievers to have authority over the believers.” [TMQ 4:141]
“Then is it only part of the Book that you believe in and do you reject the rest? But what is the reward for those among you who behave like this, but disgrace in this life, and a grievous punishment in the Hereafter” [TMQ 2:85]
The world once again needs the Islamic systems of life, economic, social, ruling, judicial and education to return again via the establishment of the Khilafah. Kufr beliefs of Capitalism, Socialism, Democracy and Nationalism have failed. The Khilafah system was implemented from the time of the death of Muhammad (saw) until the 3rd of March 1924.
It was a continuation of the rule by Islam which was showed to us by the Prophet (saw) and it was the only system of life that effectively solved human problems, Muslim and non-Muslim, by the laws, commandments and prohibitions of Allah (swt). The glorious era of the Khilafah ruling system saw Islam spread to many lands and peoples. Advances in science and technology, light years ahead of the Dark Ages of Europe were achieved under the Khilafah. Issues like racism, tribalism, economic exploitation and corruption, which haunt the Western world and the illegitimate Muslim countries were eradicated. Muslim and non-Muslim lived under the State as citizens with definite, defined and inalienable rights and duties. However, the sweet fruits of the Khilafah are but glorious remnants of the past. Only by the reestablishment of such an entity, which is a divine commandment, will the Muslim Ummah and then the whole of humanity elevate themselves from the depths of the dark abyss it now finds itself in. Al-Tirmidhi narrates the following saying of Prophet Muhammad (saw),
“The Prophethood will be among you as long as Allah wills, then He will eliminate it if He so wills. Then a Khilafah on the model of Prophethood will prevail so long as Allah wills, Then He will eliminate it if He so wills. Then there will be a supportive rule as long as Allah wills, then He will eliminate it if He so wills. Then there will be an assertive rule as long as Allah wills, then He will eliminate it if He so wills. Then a Rightly Guided Khilafah on the way of Prophethood will prevail,” and He kept silent.
In the following section we will outline, inshallah some of the long forgotten details of this system of Islam. Knowledge of these things is of vital importance, as it is only when the Muslim Ummah become aware of the beauty of this deen and their obligation to strive towards implementing it in its entirety, that she can ever hope to resume it once more.