Politics in Islam Series (8): The Consequences of Separating Islam from Politics

 What Does Separating Religion from Politics Mean?

Separating religion from politics, often referred to as secularism, means excluding religious principles from state governance and legislation. This concept places ultimate authority in human hands, allowing governments to create laws and policies independent of divine guidance.

While this idea may seem neutral, its practical application often concentrates power in the hands of a few and leads to widespread injustice.

Historical Context: Secularism’s Origins and Consequences

The rise of secularism in Europe came as a response to abuses by the medieval Church. However, its implementation resulted in shifting power from religious authorities to political elites, creating systems where human desires and ambitions shaped governance.

Consider these examples:

1. Colonial Exploitation: Secular states justified imperialism by framing it as a “civilizing mission,” resulting in the exploitation of resources and people.
2. Totalitarian Regimes: Secular ideologies like fascism and communism centralized power, leading to atrocities such as the Holocaust and Stalin’s purges.
3. Modern Wars: Secular systems driven by economic or political interests have waged wars, leaving millions dead and displaced.

Islamic Perspective: A Framework for Balanced Power

Islam’s integration of religion and politics creates a system that inherently limits power:

• Legislation Based on Revelation: Shari’a ensures laws are just, universal, and free from human manipulation.
• Checks and Balances: Power is distributed among rulers, judges, scholars, and the public, preventing tyranny.
• Accountability to Allah: Leaders are reminded that they will answer to Allah for their actions, fostering responsibility and humility.

When Islam’s political framework is abandoned, these safeguards are lost, leading to the concentration of power and the marginalization of the weak.

Example: Secularism’s Failures in Modern Systems

1. Concentration of Power:
   In many secular democracies, the ruling party controls the legislative, executive, and often judicial branches, making it nearly impossible for minorities or dissenting voices to effect change.

   For instance, corporate lobbying in the U.S. often dictates policies, favoring the wealthy while neglecting the needs of ordinary citizens.

2. Moral Inconsistencies:
   Secular systems frequently change laws based on political convenience. For example, as mentioned earlier, peaceful pro-Palestine protests in the U.S. faced suppression through sudden changes in legislation, contradicting the principle of free speech.

3. Global Inequality:
   Economic systems built on interest (Riba), prohibited in Islam, perpetuate poverty and debt in developing nations while enriching powerful states and corporations.

Comparison: Justice Under Islamic Sovereignty

Islamic governance, rooted in divine principles, contrasts sharply with secular systems:

• Equality: Under Shari’a, rulers and citizens are equally accountable to the law.
• Stability: Divine laws remain constant, providing clarity and preventing exploitation.
• Economic Justice: Prohibitions against Riba and exploitation ensure wealth is distributed fairly.

For example, during the Caliphate of Umar ibn Abdul Aziz, justice and fairness were so widespread that Zakat collectors could not find people in need of charity.

Modern Times: The Urgent Need for Divine Guidance

The failure of secular systems to address issues like corruption, inequality, and moral decay highlights the need for an alternative. Returning to divine sovereignty offers solutions:

• Governance Based on Justice: Implementing Shari’a ensures laws are fair and universally beneficial.
• Protection of Rights: Islamic principles safeguard the rights of all citizens, regardless of religion or status.
• Accountability: Leaders guided by Islamic teachings are less likely to abuse power, knowing they are answerable to Allah.

Conclusion: The Cost of Abandoning Divine Sovereignty

The separation of religion from politics has concentrated power in the hands of a few and led to widespread injustice. Islam’s political system, grounded in divine sovereignty, offers a just and equitable alternative that benefits all of humanity.

The question is not whether politics should be influenced by religion, but rather whether humanity can afford to continue without divine guidance.

In the next article, we will explore how Islamic governance fosters unity and cooperation among diverse communities, challenging the divisiveness often seen in secular systems.