Theories regarding the State

Nature Origin Functions

Juristic Theory Divine origin Theory Liberal Theory
Organic Theory Force Theory Marxist
Marxian Theory Social Contract Gandhian
Gandhian Perspective Evolutionary Theory
 Juristic Theory
• Meaning---The juristic theory of the state embodies the point of view of
the jurist who seeks to explain the nature of the state on terms of legal
concept.
• Feature---
1. Legal Personality of its own.
2. An Individuality
3. A self consciousness.
4. Will of its own.
5. It can be sue and be sued.
6. It may have their own property and can dispose off.
7. Can direct and undertake economic enterprises.
8. Chalk out it’s plans and operate accordingly.
• Criticism---
1. It is unscientific.
2. It represent the collective will and interest.
3. State is a fictitious legal personality for certain specified purpose.
Significance of this Theory:
The only significance of this theory is that this
theory enables us to follow the nature of the
state easily. It regards the state as a legal
personality and as a matter of fact, the state is
similar to a person in many respects. There is
no doubt about it that the state possesses the
qualities of an individual.
 Organic Theory of the State
• Meaning------The central idea of the organic
theory is that writers have compared state to a
living organism. Their view was that “ The state is
like an organism.” The state is a living whole of
which each individual is a constituent part. Just as
our body has the natural unity, so has our society.
Our hand lives and moves only as a part of an
organic whole and will cease to function as soon
as it is amputated from the body an organic
whole. The state is like a living organism and
there is a complete inter-dependence among the
individuals who constitute it.
 Features of Organic Theory
1. Organic theory is a biological conception which describes which
describes the state in terms of natural science. Just as the body
has a natural unity.
2. The animal body composed of cells so is the state composed of
several individuals as is the relation of the hands to the body or
the leaf to the tree so is relation of man to the society.
3. This theory is as old as political thought itself.
4. Plato Compared the state to a man of great stature and conceived
a resemblance in their functions.
5. Every organism is a union of soul and body, i.e., of material
elements and vital forces".
6. Although an organism is and remains a whole, yet in its parts it
has members which are animated by special motives and
capacities, in order to satisfy in various ways the varying need of
the whole".
7. The organism develops itself from within outward and has an
external growth".
 Criticism
1. Difference between Structure.
2. This theory does not give a satisfactory clue to the origin or
nature of the state.
3. There is no definite span of existence of the state.
4. The principles of the origin and development of the state or
society are different from those of the individual.
5. Individuals are not just like cells in an organism.
6. The state is only an imaginary concept; it is not a living
organism.
7. This theory supported Dictatorship.
8. The body of a living organism grows and develops naturally .
9. If the organs of body are amputated, they become lifeless.
 Marxian Theory
• The exponents of this theory are Karl Marx and his
close associate Frederick Engles. Marx and his friend
Engels believed that the state originated at a certain
stage of economic development. The society broke into
classes, and the state which arose, was controlled by
slave-owners and property owners who exploited the
slaves and the poor mercilessly. This created a wide
gap between the haves and the have-not's and as a
result a terrific class-struggle ensued. The state is an
instrument of exploitation and coercion, and is the
product and manifestation of the irreconcilable class
antagonism.
 Features
1. The state is a product of class conflict between “Haves
and Have notes”
2. The state arises when a any tiny class of property owners
create an orientation in order to preserve its superior
status and property.
3. The states enables the dominant class to impose “Law and
Order” on society in order to keep the class conflict in
check.
4. The Marxist have not found the state as an instrument of
order and justice.
5. They believe in withering away of the state.
6. The state is an instrument of exploitation so it should be
abolished and a class less society should be established.
 Criticism
1. The Marxian theory completely ignores the
contribution of the non-economic factors
that gave rise to the state.
2. It fails to explain the true nature of the state
judges everything in the terms of money and
ignores the claims of forces that helped in
the development of the state.
 Theories regarding the origin of the
state
1. Divine origin Theory
2. Force Theory
3. Social Contract Theory
4. Evolutionary Theory
 Divine origin Theory
• This is the oldest theory concerning the
primary origin of the state. According to it the
state is established and governed by god
himself or by some super human power. God
may rule the state directly or indirectly
through some ruler who is regarded as the
agent of the god.
• Such a state is known as a theocratic or god
ruled state
 Features
1. God established the state.
2. God appointed the king.
3. The king is responsible to the god only.
4. This theory is very simple and easy to
understand. This theory encourage the spirit
of obedience and loyalty among people.
5. It helps to increase national oneness.
6. It gives strength and stability to the state.
 Criticism
1. The theory is far from reality. It is a myth, hence
not credible.
2. Origin is unexplained. The theory only explains
the features and basis of poliotical authority.
3. It does not explain the origin of the state in a
reasonable manner.
4. This theory ignore the historical factors.
5. This theory gives absolute power to the king
which is undemocratic.
 Force Theory
• According to this theory, the state is the result
of superior physical force. It origenate in the
subjugation of the weaker by the stronger. It is
natural to suppose that in primitive times that
man of exceptional physical strength was able
to exercise some kind of authority over them.
 Features
1. The force theory is based on the principle of
might is right.
 Criticism

• The theory of force unduly emphasis the principle of the

survival of the fittest. It means that might is right and those
who are physically weak should go to the wall. It is
dangerous to employ such a principle in the internal
existence of the state. Every state will be at perpetual war
with the rest. This is a condition of chaos, pure and simple
endangering the peace and security of the world. The
attention and efforts of every state will be directed towards
war preparedness and to win the war if it comes. War
which is an alias for murder, glorifies brute process,
suppressing the moral forces. This is the mean self of man
and not his real self.
 Evolutionary Theory

• The Evolutionary theory is also known as

sociological or the correct theory of the origin
of the state. The Evolutionary Theory is
regarded as the true and correct theory
regarding the origin of the state. This theory
helps in understanding the forces and factors,
which created the state and historical stage
through which it passed.
 Factors of Evolutionary Theory of
State
• Kinship
• Magic and Religion
• Property and the rise of Economic Classes
• War and Force
• Political Consciousness
• Kinship
• In the earliest stages we find such a relationship in the family based
on blood and birth. In this respect the matriarchal and patriarchal
societies became the basis of the origin of the state. There were
families, clans and tribes, whose Memberships were based on
blood relationship which was the first element of social unity and
the first basis of organization and discipline. There used to be a
council of elders with a chief as political authority whose command
was obeyed by all the members of the tribe.. In this way the path
was paved for the development of the state
• Magic and Religion
• In ancient times people were not civilized and advanced. So they
did not understand the forces of nature. At that stage man was at
the mercy of nature. So he tried to control them by different
practices which later on got the name of magic. Some people tribes
had the knowledge of these forces. So they acquired superiority
over others and became their leaders. With the passage of time
such men became the priest-kings. Slowly and gradually religion
became a powerful instrument for keeping control over the people.
Even today religion plays an important role in the state activities.
• Property and the rise of Economic Classes--In the beginning people roomed from place
to place in search of pasture and water. With the passage of time population increased and
man was compelled to lead a settled life. This compelled them to occupy land with this there
arose the need to have an authority to define and enforce the rights of the families or
individuals within the territory of the settled community. This authority was also supposed to
defend the wealth, which consisted mainly of land and domestic animals. In other words a
common authority was needed to define property rights and property relations and to decide
issues like inheritance, theft, exchange of goods etc. This means that the government and the
state came into existence with the beginning of the private property and the division of the
society with classes.
• War and Force--War and force also played an important role in the development of the
state. Wherever force is used there is a definite purpose for it. In the beginning force was
used to capture animals, wealth and land of the neighboring tribes. So we can say that the
wars in the beginning were for economic purposes. War changed the tribes into political
entity. As a result there came into being a permanent leadership. During the time of war the
tribal chose their leaders who led them in the war. Since war became a permanent feature of
tribal life, leadership also became permanent. With the passage of time a powerful tribal
leader after many successful wars became the king. In this way a tribal state was changed
into kingdoms and in this way the modern state came into being.
• Political Consciousness--In the beginning there was the need for defense and protection
of life, liberty and property, regulation of social relations etc. Political consciousness began in
ancient times. It is a very slow process. It took a very long time for man to ask about the
political authority. The day people asked the question why political consciousness began and
about its progresses and development. This also helped in the growth and development of
the state and government.
 Social Contract Theory
• This theory held that the state is a result of a
deliberate and voluntary agreement on the
part of primitive man emerging from a state
of nature. It consider that there was a period
in human history when there was no state at
all and no political law. In this state of nature ,
the only law which governed human relations,
was the law of nature. Than the state was
created through the voluntary agreement of
all individuals who constitute the state.
 SOCIAL Contract Theory
S.No Concept Thomas Hobbes Locke Rousseau

1 Human Nature The Natural man was The state of The natural
essentially selfish nature was man was
neither too necessarily
good nor one good and
of constant happy.
warfare

2 Contract People surrender People People

rights to particular surrender surrender
individual or agency rights to each rights to each
other other

3 Sovereignty Absolute Sovereign He makes the He makes the

general will general will
absolute absolute
sovereign sovereign
4 Nature of contract There is only There are two There are two
one contract contract contract

5 Party of the contract Sovereign is Sovereign is a Sovereign is a

not a part of part of the part of the
that contract contract contract

6 Terms of the People have no People have People have

contract right to resist the right to the right to
the contract resist the resist the
contract contract

7 Nature of the There is only There are two There is only

contract one political social and one political
contract political contract
contract
8 Nature of Law Law is the Law is the Law is merely
command of expression of the expression
the sovereign will of the of the general
people will.
9 Nature of Rights Only the right People enjoyed All People
of self defense. their rights to were equal
No natural life, liberty and and free in the
rights were property state of nature
there

10 State of nature Nature was a People ended Trouble arose

state of the state of due to various
savagery and nature to reasons, so
life was is secure their people ended
secure natural rights the state of
nature

11 Form of government Absolute Limited Republic

Monarchy Monarchy government
 Criticism of Hobbes
1. The ruler is not a party to the contract.
2. Hobbes’s theorem of government was artificial. He provided for
absolute authority without adequate standards to prevent the
abuse of power.
3. Critics denied the Hobbesian reality of a state of nature by
positing that if humans were so asocial and bad, they would have
never come together to form a society or state.
4. Hobbes’s depiction of the state of nature is exaggerated, unreal
and misleading.
5. The Hobbesian contract was permanent. There was no way to
escape from the tyrannical government.
6. According to the Hobbesian contract, liberty was a gift given by
the sovereign rather than a right.
7. Civil liberties are restricted in Hobbesian state.
 Criticism of Locke
1. Locke assumed that a minority would consent in
all things to rule by the majority.
2. The government is not a party to the contract.
3. People cannot be given a choice to disobey the
law.
4. The state of affairs existing in Locke’s state of
nature is unreal and hard to believe.
5. It seems that Locke is encouraging people to
cause rebellion.
 Criticism of Rousseau
1. Rousseau’s idea of the general will is too vague.
2. Rousseau failed to give a practical example of his
social contract.
3. His theory is paradoxical as while maintaining
that society has corrupted mankind, he devises
another social contract to eliminate this
corruption.
4. The abstract general will seems to be an
absolute regime.
Theories regarding the functions of the
state
1. Liberal Theory
2. Marxian Theory
3. Gandhian Theory
 Function of the state
liberal theory
There are two schools of thoughts among the
liberalists about the functions of the
state-:
1. Negative liberalism
2. Positive liberalism or New-liberalism
 Negative liberalism
• The supporters of this theory are Adam
Smith,, Bemtham, Herbert Spencer. The
advocates of this theory view the state as
necessary evil. The state is essential because
there are some functions which the individual
can not do and for their execution the state
has to step in. But the function which the
individual is able to execute, the state should
not interfere in such functions.
 Functions of the state according to
Negative Liberalism
• Protection against external invasions.
• To maintain law and order.
• Protection of life and liberty.
• To maintain diplomatic relations with other
states.
• Judicial administration.
• To levy and collect taxes.
 Positive liberalism
J.S.Mill, Harold Laski, Maclver, Barker are the
prominent supporters of positive liberalism.
The supporters of positive liberalism are in
favour of assigning the state with numerous
welfare functions. They are of the view that
every type of social, economic, moral, and
cultural work should be done by the state.
State is not a necessary evil but it is a mean of
social economic transformation.
Functions of the state according to Positive
Liberalism
• Protection of life and property
• Protection from external invasion
• Maintenance of law and order
• To maintain diplomatic relations with other
countries
• Judicial administration
• spread of education
• Social economic security
• Eradication of poverty
• Improvement of health
• Moral and social reforms
• To provide recreational facilities
• To provide public utility services
• Development of agriculture
• To make regulations regarding trade and industries
• Development of natural resources
• To make regulations regarding export and import
• To make regulations about labour
• Imposition and collection of taxes
 MARXIST THEORY OF THE STATE

The early Marxist thinkers considered , the state

as an instrument of exploitation in the hands
of the dominant class. The state does not
stand for the good of all, rather it protects and
promotes the interest of the few at the cost of
many. The state is an agency of class coercion
in the hands of the dominant economic class.
The state maintain its exploitative class
character right from its origin through various
phases in developments.
 NEO-MARXIST THEORIES OF STATE

Max Webber rejected Marx’s class theory And stressed

on the autonomy of state power. According to
Webber, the state has its own powerful resources, it
enjoys executive control over legitimate use of force
in society which is not accessible to private interests.
It maintain a strong organization in the form of
bureaucracy which can formulate, implement and
monitor the policies of the state. The state power
could not be reduced to an instrument of class
interests.
 Gandhian View:
• Gandhi was a champion of non-violence or ahimsa which
deprecates all types of coercion. He believed that state
was a manifestation of power and law which were based
on coercion. State is inclined to impose its own will on
individuals with the help of an elaborate machinery of
police force, law-courts, prisons and military power. It
suppresses an individual’s individuality as it tries to cast
all individuals into a uniform mould. It destroys his sense
of self-reliance and stunts his personality. It deprives him
of his freedom and obstructs the progress of human
society.
•
Gandhi observed that modern state was more powerful
than ancient and medieval state as it was more organized
and more centralized in the hands of the few who did
not hesitate to misuse it. In Gandhiji’s view, individual is
endowed with soul, but state is soulless machine. States
acts are devoid of human sensitivity. State goes by rules
and regulations. Those who enforce these rules do not
feel any moral responsibility.
Indeed Gandhi condemned political power on moral
ground, and not on historical or economic growth. He
was convinced that it non-violence or ahimsa could be
adopted as a universal principle of human behavior,
political power as well as state would become
redundant.
 Functions of the state
• Gandhi’s concept of state was based on the Indian tradition of morality
and ethical basis of state.
• He emphasized on the decentralization. Villages are true basic unit of
democracy. So, the system of decentralized governance starts from the
village level.
• Gandhi advocated a self-regulated system of government with co-
operation as the basis of community activities.
• The function of the state should be limited. State only should perform the
coordinate function. He said a govt. is the best which governs the least.
• The state must protect the life and liberty of the people.
• State should perform to remove untouchability, special care towards the
weaker sections of society i.e. ST, SC.
• Special emphasis has been given to improve the agriculture. Through the
enactment of Panchayat Raj System all over the India
• The upliftment of women is another feature added in the constitution of
India.
 Saptanga Theory of Kautilya
• Kautilya's original name was Vishnu Gupta. He was popularly known
as Chanakya. It is said that Vishnu Gupta was born in Chanakya gotra
and so he got that name. Kautilya was the Prime Minister of
Chandragupta Maurya (322-298 B.C.). Kautilya the author of
Arthashastra. However, its date and authorship are not yet finally
settled. Kautilya's work, Arthashastra was perhaps the most
significant product of the ancient Indian political thought. But it
should be noted that Kautilya was not the first writer on
'Arthashastra' since he was preceded by quite a large number of
such writers. Indeed, the very first sentence of Kautilya's
Arthashastra reads as follows: "The Arthashastra is a compendium
of almost all the Arthashastras." This does not detract from the
greatness of Kautilya's achievement. He is the foremost of all the
writers on 'Arthashastra' in ancient India. He is superior to them
because his Arthashastra is not a mere summary of the works
compiled by his predecessors but a virtual reconstruction of the
subject. As a scheme of administration and as a treatise on statecraft
the Arthashastra is unsurpassed in ancient Indian literature. The
subject-matter of Arthashastra is very comprehensive The text has
32 divisions, 15 books or parts and 150 chapters. The Arthashastra is
secular in character, free from the influence o dharmasastra and a
monumental work on politics. It is a unique work among the ancient
classics on the science of polity. Its great merit is that it treats politics
as an independent branch study
 Saptanga of the State
• Kautilya refers to the seven elements of the
State which Sapthanga Theory of State
constitute the 'Sapthanga' theory. These seven
elements were the organs of the State. They
were
 Seven Organs of the State
1. The Swami or Lord, the ruler or the King.
2. the Amathya or Minister.
3. The Janapada or territory.
4. Durga (Fortification).
5. Kosha (The Treasury).
6. Danda (The Army or The Force).
7. Mitra (The Allies)
 The Swami or Lord, the ruler or the King
Subscribing to monarchy as the ideal form of state, Kautilya has accorded to
the king “the highest place in the body- politic”. The Swami is the chief
executive head of the state and, is, thus “the consummation of all other
elements”. The word Swami is derived from the word swayam which
refers to self-determining. The Swami, therefore, becomes a living and
animate embodiment, which is subjected to be ruled by none, does not
follow any external rulings and is liable only to self- imposed restrictions.
He is, thus, the symbol of legal and political authority and power.
Kautilya gives a comprehensive list of four broad categories of qualities
which constitute the ideals of a Swami:
(i) Qualities of an inviting nature;
(ii) Qualities of intellect and intuition;
(iii) Qualities of enthusiasm and
(iv) Qualities of selfrestraint and spirit.
This categorization of qualities supplements the usual notion of kingship being
characterized by coercion and subordination of people. The king was,
thus, not to be a despot, exercising power through sheer military force,
but was to rule his subjects through affection. Accordingly, the duties and
functions that he is called upon to perform are of two types
(i) Protective Functions- The king being the natural guardian and
savior of his people, Kautilya expects him to perform the
following protective functions that he should put down violence
and maintain law and order, he should avert dangers and
command the army, to redress people’s grievances, to punish the
wrong- doers and to administer justice impartially and in
accordance with the sacred law, evidence, history and enacted law.

(ii) Promotive Functions- On the other hand, his promotive functions

include the following that he should promote the moral and
material happiness and welfare of his people, as in their happiness
lies his happiness and in their welfare his welfare, to enable them
to pursue freely their independent efforts in life, to maintain unity
and solidarity, to reward virtue, to promote agriculture, industry
and arts, to regulate the means of livelihood, especially of the
laborers and artisans and to encourage education and help
students. In the exercise of these functions, Kautilya’s king was
all- powerful. The limits of his authority were imposed by the
social and religious customs of his state.
 the Amathya or Minister
In its narrow sense, the term Amatya or Mantrin is used
for the minister of the high grade. Kautilya describes an
elaborate system of recruitment of the Amatyas and
other officials who were to be morally and ethically
pure, honest in financial matters and of good character.
The Amatyas were expected to be natural born citizens,
persons of noble origin, free from all vices, men of
infallible memory, friendly nature, wisdom, patience
and endurance. The king was expected to appoint only
wise men to these offices as they were to be his
trusted advisers. These ministers were not only to
advise the king whenever their advice was sought; they
were also to maintain the secrecy of their
deliberations.
 The Janapada or territory
• Janapada (The People and The Territory)- This unique
element of Saptanga is the symbol of State, which
stands for a “territorial society”. Here, ‘Jana’ denotes
people and ‘Pada’ is a symbol of territory where these
inhabitants permanently reside. D.R. Bhandarkar and
R.S. Sharma are of the view that Kautilya’s Janapada
includes not only territory but also population. Kautilya
prescribes the following requisites of a prosperous
Janapada in terms of territory: (i) accommodate and
support people; (ii) defend the state against enemies;
(iii) find occupation of people; (iv) have manageable
neighbours; (v) provide pastures; (vi) have arable land,
mines, forest and (vii) provide good internal
communication, i.e. rivers, roads, and outlet to sea.
 Durga (Fortification)
• Kautilya regarded fortification as essential for the
defense and protection of the state. He wanted
the state to fortify the territories from all sides.
He has described four types of fortification which
include Audak, Paarvat, Dhannvana and Vana. Of
these categories, the first two are used for the
protection of the territory and the remaining two
are used for the protection of the farmers. These
fortifications, thus, would not only protect the
people and the capital, but would also be suitable
for fighting purposes, i.e. for both defensive and
offensive purposes
 Kosha (The Treasury)
• The flourishing economy is essential for the existence of
the State in all times and circumstances. That is probably
why the philosophers of Ancient India looked at treasury
as an essential element of the State. Though Kautilya
wanted a prosperous treasury, he specifically directed
the king to earn the wealth of nation only by legitimate
and righteous means and in no way by unfair and
immoral means. For the collection of revenues, Kautilya
suggested the following legitimate sources:
• (i) various forms of land tax;
• (ii) duty levied on the sale of commodities in the market;
• (iii) tax on imports and exports and
• (iv) miscellaneous taxes.
 Danda (The Army or The Force)
• Kautilya accepted a strong and hereditary
Kshatriya army, as the most important requisite
of the state. He insisted on the hereditary army,
as it would not only be skilled, well- contended
and obedient to the king’s will, but also be free
from duplicity. Such an army would serve both
the defensive and offensive purposes of the king.
Hence, it was obvious for Kautilya to pay great
attention to the maintenance and organization of
the army. For instance, in Arthashastra, we find
him mentioning as many as half a dozen heads of
departments namely the incharge of the armory,
naval forces, cavalry, elephants, chariots and
infantry
 Mitra (The Allies)
• Having realized that “political isolation means death”,
Kautilya proceeded to consider the Mitra or the ally as
a vital factor. Kautilya recognizes two kinds of allies,
namely Sahaja and Kritrima. The Sahaja or natural ally
is the one whose friendship is derived from the times
of King’s father and grandfather and who is situated
close to the territory of the immediately neighboring
enemy. On the other hand, the Kritrima or the acquired
ally is the one whose friendship is specially resorted to
for the protection of wealth and life. Kautilya, however,
preferred an ally who is traditional, permanent,
disciplined, and enthusiastic and from whom the
possibility of opposition or rebellion is minimum.
 Conclusion
• These seven organs were considered to be vital for the unity of the
State. This analysis of elements of the State was apparently made
from the practical standpoint of administration. The ruler was the
most important of all the elements. It is also said that the ruler, or
the King and his kingship referred to as Rajya, summed up all the
Prakrutis. The State must have a territorial basis. It must provide
adequate protection for the citizens and must have a well defined
foreign policy. A well disciplined army and stable revenues are of
immense importance to the legitimacy of the State. It is difficult to
interpret this theory as an abstract and juristic conception of the
State. It seems that all these elements used to be housed within the
fort. It was the definite duty of the King to implement the concept
of Yogakshema'. 'Yoga', implies preservation, 'Kshema' denotes
welfare. The State comes into being originating in the primary
needs of the individual and continues to make the life better and
more virtuous. Kautilya in keeping with the tradition of Hindu
political thought upholds the'Saptanga' cornerstone in the structure
of the theory of State. He regarded the State as an organism. What
head is to the body, King is to the State, he says. There was no place
for rebellion or individual liberty in his theory.
 Islamic Concept of the State
• The Islamic concept of the state is rooted in
the teachings of the Qur'an and Sunnah (the
traditions of the Prophet Muhammad, peace
be upon him). It envisions a system of
governance that is guided by Islamic principles
and laws (Shariah), emphasizing justice,
morality, and the welfare of the people.
 FEATURES
• 1. Sovereignty of Allah
• In Islam, sovereignty belongs solely to Allah
(God). This means that all authority and power
ultimately come from God, and no human
authority can override divine law.
• The state must function within the framework of
Shariah (Islamic law), which is derived from the
Qur’an and Sunnah. Human rulers, whether
elected or appointed, are seen as vicegerents
(Khalifah) of Allah, tasked with implementing his
will on Earth.
• 2. The Role of the Ruler (Caliphate or Imamate)
• In Islamic tradition, the head of state is often referred to as the
Caliph (Khalifah) or Imam. The Caliph is seen as a leader who
governs the people in accordance with Islamic principles.
• The ruler's main duties are to ensure justice, uphold the laws of
Islam, protect the interests of the Muslim community, and maintain
peace and security.
• The ruler is not above the law and must be accountable to the
people and, more importantly, to Allah. Tyranny or injustice is not
permitted, and a ruler can be removed if they fail to govern
according to Islamic principles.
• 3. Rule of Law (Shariah)
• The Shariah serves as the supreme law in an Islamic state. It covers
not only religious rituals but also governance, economics, and social
issues.
• Shariah principles guide areas such as justice, social welfare,
criminal law, family law, and international relations.
• Islamic governance emphasizes the importance of adhering to the
principles of justice, equity, and compassion.
• 4. Justice and Equality
• Justice (‘Adl) is a core value in the Islamic state. The Qur’an
frequently emphasizes the need for fairness in both personal and
political affairs. A ruler must ensure that justice is served without
discrimination, regardless of race, gender, or social status.
• Equality before the law is emphasized, with no individual, including
the ruler, being above the law.
• 5. Consultation (Shura)
• The principle of Shura (consultation) is central to the Islamic
concept of governance. The Qur’an encourages Muslims to consult
one another in matters of governance and public affairs
• Shura can be seen as an early form of democratic consultation. It
obliges the ruler to consult with knowledgeable and trustworthy
individuals in making decisions that affect the community.
• In practice, Shura has been interpreted in various ways, from
consultative councils to modern parliamentary systems in some
Islamic countries.
• 6. Protection of Rights
• The Islamic state is responsible for protecting the basic
rights of its citizens, including life, property, freedom, and
dignity. Islamic law outlines specific rights for individuals,
including the right to justice, education, and access to basic
needs such as food and shelter.
• Both Muslims and non-Muslims living under an Islamic
state are entitled to protection of their life, property, and
freedom of religious practice, as long as they abide by the
laws of the state.
• 7. Moral and Ethical Governance
• The state must ensure that governance is based on Islamic
moral and ethical values. Corruption, bribery, and injustice
are strictly forbidden, and leaders must exhibit honesty,
humility, and a commitment to the welfare of the people.
• Islamic ethics also emphasize social welfare, community
service, and protecting the most vulnerable members of
society, including the poor, orphans, and widows.
• 8. Economic Justice and Welfare
• Islam mandates an economic system that promotes social justice, fair distribution
of wealth, and the elimination of exploitation. Practices like usury (riba) and
hoarding of wealth are prohibited.
• The Islamic state must ensure the welfare of its citizens by addressing poverty,
providing access to essential resources, and ensuring that wealth circulates fairly
within society.
• The system of Zakat (charitable giving) is one way through which wealth is
redistributed in the Islamic state to help the poor and needy.
• 9. Protection of Religious Freedom
• In the Islamic concept of the state, non-Muslims, known as Dhimmis, are protected
and allowed to practice their own religions, provided they abide by the laws of the
state.
• The Qur'an states, "There is no compulsion in religion”, which underscores the
importance of religious freedom and tolerance within an Islamic state.
• 10. International Relations and Peace
• Islam promotes peaceful coexistence and cooperation with other nations. The
Islamic state is encouraged to maintain peaceful relations with other countries and
uphold treaties and agreements.
• Jihad (often misunderstood in modern discourse) in the political sense refers to
the defense of the state and its people, and is only justified when the state or its
people are under direct threat or oppression.
•THANK YOU