Power transfer in Islamic thought
Mohamed al-Dabouli
The transfer of power as a concept has been at the
center of debates inside all political circles for a long time now. This issue
was at the root of conflicts in all states.
Contemporary political thinking succeeded in keeping
the lid on power struggle-induced conflicts by specifying peaceful mechanisms
for the transfer of power.
These mechanisms revolve around the free selection of
leaders and also competition among those vying peacefully for power. The same
thinking also specified mechanisms to regulate the withdrawal of confidence
from rulers.
Islamist forces called for the application of Islamic
Sharia law. In doing this, they said this law would suit contemporary societies
and that Islam had known democracy, even before Western societies did. Western
democratic mechanisms, such as elections and parliaments, the same forces said,
are a lot similar to important concepts in Islam, such as allegiance and
consultation.
This study will dwell on the same Islamic concepts, in
its bid to analyze the claims of these Islamist forces.
Power transfer as an Islamist concept
The transfer of power in Islam is strongly linked to a
number of bases, which include the application of Islamic Sharia law, the
achievement of justice, allegiance, obedience and consultation.
First, application of Islamic Sharia law
This is a cornerstone in the thinking of all Islamist
groups. By the application of Islamic law these groups mean ruling by the holy
Quran and the sayings of Prophet Muhammad {PBUH}. They also mean for all laws
to go hand in hand with the rules of the holy book and the sayings of the
prophet. Those who violate this as a rule are deemed by the same groups as
"infidels".
Second, justice
This is the ultimate goal of Islamist groups. In
putting justice in such a high esteem, these groups act within the boundaries
of the holy Quran which orders its adherents to be just to others.
Third, consultation
Islamist thinkers took consultation (or Shura in
Arabic) as proof that Islam had known democracy, even before Western societies
did. Shura in Islam makes it necessary for rulers to get advice from
specialists before taking decisions.
Prophet Muhammad never took a decision without
consulting those with knowledge about the issue he was deciding on. The prophet's
companions did like him, even after he passed away.
Fourth, allegiance
Some people mix the concepts of allegiance with the
modern concept of elections. These people say allegiance is even synonymous to
elections. It is identified as involving the public in administration and rule
by swearing allegiance to a ruler and total obedience to him.
Nonetheless, there are differences between elections
and allegiance. The two concepts are not even related to each other.
Transfer of power in practice in Islamic
history
Islamic history is full of power transfer tools. These
tools include allegiance; inheritance; appointment, and comparison.
1 – Allegiance
This is one of the earliest power transfer tools in
the history of Islam. It is so similar to most democratic mechanisms, such as
elections. The history of allegiance dates back to the time after Prophet
Muhammad passed away.
2 – Appointment
This is the second power transfer mechanism in Islam.
Abu Bakral-Sedig is known to have transferred power to Omar Ibn al-Kattab. He
did this after consulting with some of the companions of the prophet.
3 – Comparison
This was the third power transfer mechanism utilized
by Muslims. It is based on selecting the best among a group of rivals for
power. As a mechanism, comparison was especially utilized at the end of Omar
Ibn al-Kattab's rule. He selected six of the prophet's companions and then
selected the most competent of them to succeed him.
4 – Inheritance
This is the most outstanding power transfer mechanism
in the history of Islam. Rulers usually passed power onto to their brothers or
sons. The crown prince as a position was invented to ensure that power would be
passed to a designated successor without problems.
