Governing under Islam and the Islamic Political System

Abstract

This article elicits some positive and normative bases of Islamic governance. It argues that the Islamic state should be a republic since the prophet was “selected be God and the four rightly-guided caliphs were “elected”, thus a case is made for a republican spirit which should be integral to any just state. Also, the article argues that there should be a division of power, not only between government and judiciary, but also, between the government and the religious establishment. Lastly, it concludes with thirteen features deemed essential to the establishment of an Islamic state.