In Britain once the appointment of the new leader is complete, your input to the running of the country’s affairs is effectively finished for the next five years. In the Islamic Ruling System, your opinion is not only valued by the leadership, but in some circumstances you may be obliged to voice it. Imagine you as a citizen of the Islamic State had a complaint. What can you do?
It may happen that the Khaleefah neglects his duty. Instead of Allah’s law, he rules as he pleases according to his own whims and fancies - i.e. becoming a dictator . He could for example allow the State to ally with organisations based on taghut (disbelief) like the UN, or permit trading by riba (interest) in the banks. Or he may become corrupted himself by being a thief or an adulterer. These kind of things often happen in the West, but we find ourselves in no position to do anything about it.
As a citizen of the Islamic State, whether male or female, Muslim or non-Muslim, you can approach the Khaleefah. This may be done for any reason, be it to encourage him to fear Allah, or to ask him for your rights. However, your reasons can be broadly divided into two categories:
- Advice : You might inform the Khaleefah of any news or information that may be of the public interest, such as the necessity of a school or hospital in your community.
- Accounting : If you feel that the Khaleefah is neglecting his duties in any way, it is your duty to account him for it and advise him to correct his wrong actions. This may be in cases where he has failed to implement any Islamic law, like neglecting the duty of Jihad, or if he has implemented laws which contradict Islam, such as allowing the selling of alcohol. You may also voice your concerns if he is unjust in his dealings with the people such as not providing the basic necessities.