Politics in Islam Series (21): The Political Vision of Islam from the Very Beginning

From the first moment of Islam’s revelation, the political vision was clear. The early Muslims, though a small and persecuted group, had a message that was universal. In the Makkah period, they were few in number, oppressed, and excluded from all forms of power or authority. They were vulnerable and without support, yet the Quran firmly establishes that the Islamic call is not limited to any one group or nation—it is a message for all of humanity.

In one of the earliest Makkah surahs, Surah At-Takwir, the Quran declares:

“It is but a reminder to the worlds.”
(Surah At-Takwir, 81:27)

This phrase, “the worlds”, indicates the universality of Islam’s message from the very beginning. It is not meant only for the Arabs, not just for the people of Makkah or even for the Quraysh—it is for all of humanity, across every corner of the earth.

---

The Universal Call: A Message for All Nations

Islam did not begin as a localized religion with a narrow focus on a specific tribe or people. From the outset, the political vision of Islam was expansive. It embraced people of all races, cultures, and backgrounds. The Quran is clear:

“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.”
(Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:13)

This verse reinforces the idea that distinctions based on ethnicity, tribe, or social status are meaningless in the eyes of Allah. What matters is righteousness and piety. Therefore, the political implication here is profound: the Islamic state, governed by Allah’s laws, is meant to serve all people, regardless of their origins or backgrounds. The ideal Islamic society is one that seeks justice for everyone, with no room for discrimination or oppression based on lineage, race, or wealth.

---

Politics with a Purpose: A Call for Unity

This universal approach to Islam, particularly in its political dimension, challenges the tribalism and exclusion that often plague human societies. The early Muslims were united not by common ancestry, wealth, or power, but by faith and a shared commitment to justice. In this light, the establishment of a just state under Islamic principles is about bringing people together for the common good—regardless of their differences.

When we look at the political dimension of Islam, we see it as a force for unity and equality, striving to build a society that values moral integrity above worldly divisions. Islam offers a framework that transcends narrow national or tribal identities, emphasizing the collective well-being of all people.

---

Conclusion

The political vision of Islam is universal from its very inception. The message that began with a few persecuted individuals in Makkah was always intended for the whole world. It calls for a society where justice, equality, and righteousness are the guiding principles, and where the leadership of such a society is based on piety, not power.

In today’s world, this timeless message reminds us that political power should serve all of humanity, promoting the values of justice and equality over divisiveness and discrimination. As Muslims, we are called to work towards a just society, in line with the divine vision revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) over 1,400 years ago.