Politics In Islam (46): Between Tyranny and Chaos: Islam’s Unique Political Vision

 

Politics in Islam Series

Throughout history, civilizations have collapsed in one of two ways:

  1. Tyranny—where oppressive rulers crush their people until society fractures.

  2. Chaos—where disorder and lawlessness erode the very foundations of governance.

This dual threat is beautifully summarized by the great companion Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) in his interpretation of the Qur’anic verse:

"Say, 'He is able to send upon you a punishment from above you or from beneath your feet...'" (Qur’an 6:65)

He explained: "The punishment from above refers to oppressive rulers, and the punishment from beneath refers to internal strife and civil wars."

Thus, political oppression and social anarchy are two faces of the same coin—each one fueling the other. Tyranny provokes rebellions and unrest, while chaos legitimizes the rise of dictators in the name of restoring order. Societies often find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle, oscillating between these extremes.


Why Do People Choose Tyranny Over Chaos?

History shows that societies tend to prefer tyranny over chaos. This is because tyranny, despite its cruelty, at least maintains the structure of governance, while chaos dismantles everything, leading to complete societal collapse. Islamic scholars have long acknowledged this dilemma, as seen in their famous statement:

"A ferocious lion is better than a tyrannical ruler, and a tyrannical ruler is better than an endless civil war."

Tyrants exploit this fear, deliberately creating the illusion that the only alternative to their rule is destruction and anarchy. This strategy is famously encapsulated in the words of King Louis XIV of France, who declared:

"Après moi, le déluge""After me, the flood."

In other words, "I am the only thing standing between you and total ruin."


Islam’s Revolutionary Approach to Politics

Unlike other ideologies that emerged within existing power structures, Islam was born into a political vacuum. This makes its vision for governance unique when compared to other religious traditions.

For example:

  • Christianity arose under the Roman Empire and initially had no political structure of its own, leading to centuries of conflict between church and state.

  • Hinduism and Buddhism were deeply intertwined with monarchical rule, reinforcing rigid caste systems and hierarchical power.

In contrast, Islam did not inherit an existing political order—it built one from scratch. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did not inherit a throne, nor did he rise through existing aristocracies. Instead, he established a just political model directly based on divine revelation, prioritizing:

  • Shura (consultation) instead of dictatorship

  • Justice instead of oppression

  • Stability without sacrificing accountability

This is why Islam rejects both tyranny and anarchy, offering instead a balanced alternative—a system where power is neither absolute nor unchecked, and where stability does not come at the cost of justice and human dignity.


Breaking the Cycle

To escape the historical trap of tyranny and chaos, Muslims must reject both extremes and embrace the Qur’anic vision of governance. This means:

  1. Resisting authoritarianism without falling into disorder

  2. Upholding justice without dismantling society

  3. Building institutions that prevent both despotism and lawlessness

As long as societies accept the false choice between dictatorship and destruction, they will remain in endless cycles of suffering. Islam provides a third path, one that restores political legitimacy by rooting governance in divine justice, public accountability, and moral integrity.

The question is—will we have the courage to embrace it?

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