As social beings, humans naturally seek an orderly structure, one thoughtfully designed by the Almighty. To protect this divinely ordained system from the potential misuse of our free will, we have established collective mechanisms, giving rise to politics and governments. The primary purpose of a government is to safeguard the life, property, and dignity of individuals while punishing those who seek to disrupt this harmony.
Political power is not merely a blessing but a profound responsibility and a test from the Almighty. Leaders should view themselves as humble servants, guided by divine principles in their governance, without adopting authoritarian tendencies. They must avoid exploiting their citizens or treating the nation as their personal domain, recognizing it instead as a sacred trust from the Almighty intended to benefit the people. The longevity of their authority should not be founded on sowing chaos and disorder.
Politics, often seen as the realm of conflicts, requires great politicians who never base their journey on sowing discord. They do not raise slogans of vengeance or foster division. Instead, they address the prejudices and tensions within their nation, understanding the intricate relationships among its people. A politician must have the caliber to avoid playing politics on the basis of hatred, instead offering real solutions to these issues such as immigration and uniting the nation in their execution.
The Quranic verse 4:58 underscores the duty of political leaders to appoint individuals based on merit and strive for justice in all spheres of life. They must impartially resolve disputes, ensuring no discrimination within the legal system among different segments of society. Justice should remain untainted by power, influence, greed, or fear. Those granted political authority by the Almighty are chosen to administer justice in this world, and even the most hidden injustices are known to the Almighty.
The world operates on the principle of tests and trials, placing the responsibility on us to establish justice. If the Almighty were to intervene directly to establish justice on earth, the principle of tests and trials would lose its meaning, much like an artist finishing a painting for an apprentice without allowing them to learn and grow. Therefore, justice must be achieved through human effort. The Almighty intervene according to His Divine tradition or principle. These divine traditions are considered immutable and consistent, reflecting His wisdom and justice in the creation and management of the world.
A just ruler is like a gardener who nurtures the garden of society, welcoming critique and petitions from the public. They should understand the needs and concerns of their people, governing with integrity and transparency while selflessly serving the nation. Individuals driven by selfish desires for public office should be deemed ineligible, as true justice cannot be expected from such individuals.
The basic difference between politicians and army generals is that generals distinguish between friends and foes, drawing lines and starting wars as they are trained to do. In contrast, politicians aim to destroy the plans of the enemy by identifying and addressing the different forces and prejudices within society. They assess the strength of these forces and work to create agreements that unify the nation. A leader who aligns themselves with any form of prejudice—whether based on race, color, religion , or political power—will only divide the community.
In essence, political power is akin to a torch passed down by the Almighty, illuminating the path of justice and righteousness. Leaders are the stewards of this light, tasked with ensuring it shines brightly for all, without casting shadows of oppression or favoritism. Their role is not to dominate but to serve, not to possess but to protect, fostering a society where every individual feels valued and justice prevails like a river flowing through the land. Politics should be the art of creating harmony, not division, aiming to transform a diverse society into a unified and just nation.