What is the concept of sovereignty in Islam
1) Introduction
ALLAH is the creator of everything that exists on the earth and in heaven, there is not GOD but ALLAH. The concept of Sovereignty in Islam is different from the Western concept of sovereignty. The Islamic concept of sovereignty has been derived from the Quran and Sunnah. Sovereignty only belongs to ALLAH and ALLAH alone. All things are under the authority of ALLAH and ALLAH has sent human beings on earth as his khalifa who exercise the powers within the limits prescribed by ALLAH
2) Literal meaning
The word sovereignty has been derived from the Latin Word “Superanus” which means SUPREMACY
OF ONE OVER THE OTHERS
3) Definition of sovereignty
All things are under ALLAH’s control and nothing happens without his permission and directions as ALLAH is sovereign over the world
4) Islamic concept of Sovereignty
Islam teaches us that all Supreme powers belong to ALLAH and ALLAH alone and no one can compete with ALLAH against his sovereignty
Quran Says:
“TO ALLAH BELONGS THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE HEAVENS AND EARTH”
“HE WHO GIVES LIFE AND DEATH AND HE HAS POWER OVER ALL THE THING”
5) Attributes of ALLAH’S Sovereignty
Sovereignty of ALLAH has the following attributes
1. Absolute as Quran Says:
ALLAH is the creator of all things and he is one the Almighty. (AL Quran)
2. Indivisible
Sovereignty of ALLAH is not indivisible because there is no God but ALLAH
3. Inalienable
Sovereignty of ALLAH is inalienable because it Can’t be given away to anyone and can’t be shared
with anyone
4. Unlimited
As ALLAH is sovereign and he has unlimited powers over the others in the world and the whole
the command is with ALLAH in all things
5. Universal
ALLAH’S Sovereignty is Universal because It covers every particle of the heavens and on
the earth
6. Comprehensive
The sovereignty of ALLAH is everything in the world and no one can challenge to his
powers in the whole world
7. Eternal
The sovereignty of ALLAH is eternal because ALLAH sovereignty is from the beginning of time till
the end of time. It is a permanent and everlasting sovereignty
8. Original
ALLAH’s Sovereignty is not derived from superior to him. As Quran says that ALLAH is the creator
of all things and he is guardian over all things(Al Quran)
6) Attributive name of ALLAH’S Sovereignty
ALLAH’S Sovereignty is shown by his attributive names. Some of them are as under:
- AL Khaliq The Creator
- AL Ahad Only One
- Al Wahab The Grantor
- AL Hakam The Judge
7) Vicegerency of man
ALLAH is lord of Heavens and earth and ALLAH delegates powers to men for the administration of
justice and they exercise their authority with the limitations of ALLAH Man is a khalifa of ALLAH ALMIGHTY on the earth who is responsible for the administration of the earth according to the will of ALLAH
Quran Says:
“AND WHEN THE LORD SAID TO ANGELS, LO! (SEE) I AM ABOUT TO PLACE A
KHALIFA IN THE EARTH”
8) Concept of Sovereignty and Amir in Pakistan
The concept of sovereignty recognized in the 1973 constitution of Pakistan Sovereignty over the entire universe belongs to ALLAH alone But an Authorized person will exercise their powers for the administration of justice within the limits prescribed by ALLAH Almighty
9) Concept of Sovereignty in West
Sovereignty is a modern concept of the West. And it has been born by the modern state. At the
The first time it was presented by Jean Bodin in 1576 who declared sovereignty is not power to
make law it is above to law
Blackstone Says
“Sovereignty is the supreme will of the state”
Analysis,
The Western concept is imperfect because there are certain limitations to it and the Western refers sovereignty of the state. It means there can be as many sovereigns as states in the world
o Compared to the Islamic concept it is more realistic and logical that the Sovereignty of ALLAH is unlimited and covers the whole universe, heavens, and earth
10) Difference between the Islamic Concept of Sovereignty and
Western Concept of Sovereignty
Following are the differences.
1. As to Authority
1) In Islam, the sovereignty of the entire universe belongs to God
2) In the Western concept, sovereignty belongs to people
2. As to kinds of Sovereignty
1) In Islam, there are no kinds of Sovereignty
2) In the Western concept, Sovereignty has different kinds
3. As to State
1) In Islam, Sovereignty is not subject to State
2) In Western concept, there must be a state for sovereignty
4. As to Scope
1) The Islamic concept of sovereignty has a wider scope
2) The Western concept of sovereignty has less scope
5. As to Perfection
1) The Islamic concept of sovereignty is perfect in all aspects
2) The Western concept of sovereignty is imperfect
6. As to Nature
1) The Islamic concept is permanent nature
2) The Western concept is temporary nature
11) Conclusion
Islamic theory is completely different from Western theory. Islamic theory derived from
Quran and Sunnah which are basic sources. Islam teaches sovereignty belongs to
ALLAH alone. No human being can be lord of another human being