Politics in Islam (25): The Superiority of Islamic Law: A System for Both Worlds

Politics in Islam Series

Islamic law is distinct from man-made legal systems because it merges religion and governance, addressing both worldly and spiritual matters. This unique characteristic compels Muslims to follow its rulings sincerely, whether in public or private, prosperity or hardship. For them, obedience to Shari’ah is not merely compliance with regulations but an act of worship that draws them closer to Allah.

A Muslim who believes in Shari’ah is motivated by a profound sense of accountability, fearing the consequences of their actions not just in this world but in the Hereafter. Even if they can evade worldly punishment, they abstain from wrongdoing out of fear of Allah's displeasure and eternal punishment. This dual responsibility fosters a culture of moral integrity, reduces crime, and strengthens societal stability.


The Moral Vacuum of Secular Laws

By contrast, secular legal systems lack the spiritual dimension that encourages compliance beyond enforcement. People obey such laws only to avoid detection or punishment. When individuals are confident they can evade the law, they are often driven by self-interest, unconstrained by any higher moral authority.

This disconnect results in a society where crime proliferates, particularly in communities with greater resources and knowledge to evade legal consequences. It is no coincidence that some of the most morally compromised actions—such as corporate corruption or high-level fraud—are often found among the so-called "educated" or "enlightened" classes, where moral decline is most evident.


A Contemporary Example: Rising Crime in Secular Societies

Take the example of the increasing rates of corporate fraud and financial crimes in some of the most developed countries. According to the Global Economic Crime and Fraud Survey 2024 conducted by PwC, more than 46% of companies worldwide reported experiencing fraud within the last two years, with the numbers climbing in regions with robust secular legal systems but weakened moral accountability. Despite advanced regulatory frameworks, loopholes are exploited, and crimes are committed because the fear of legal repercussions is insufficient to deter wrongdoing.

In contrast, when laws are seen as divinely ordained, the accountability extends beyond the material world. For example, countries or communities that implement even partial aspects of Shari’ah often report lower levels of crime. In such environments, the fear of eternal consequences often surpasses the fear of legal penalties, ensuring a stronger adherence to ethical principles.


Bridging Morality and Governance

Islamic law transcends the limitations of secular legal systems by aligning the fear of worldly punishment with the fear of divine accountability. This dual system motivates individuals to act ethically, even in the absence of external enforcement. This approach not only fosters individual piety but also creates a society grounded in justice, trust, and mutual responsibility.

The contrast is stark: a system rooted in divine accountability sustains morality and curbs crime, while one that depends solely on human enforcement struggles to achieve the same level of compliance or ethical integrity.

By merging governance with spirituality, Islam offers a sustainable model for a just and harmonious society, reminding us that no law is as effective as one rooted in both the fear of Allah and the promise of His eternal reward.

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