The Ruler’s Justice, Understanding and Insight
In Islam, the standard of justice required of a ruler is set very high, and he is urged to make decisions with understanding and insight. The story of Prophet Dawud and Prophet Sulayman (peace be upon them both) in the Qur’an is one example of this justice. Allah gave Prophet Sulayman (peace be upon him) depth and understanding in judgment, while Prophet Dawud’s (peace be upon him) decision was also not devoid of wisdom. This teaches that when making a decision, it is necessary to go into the matter deeply and understand it, alongside doing justice.
The incident of Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) being appointed as judge in Yemen teaches us that a judge should hear the statements of both parties and then decide between them, so that no shortcoming remains in justice. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Allah will guide your heart and strengthen your tongue. When two parties sit before you, do not decide between them until you have also heard the words of the other, as you heard the words of the first. This is closer to your understanding the matter and your making the right decision.”
Making a Decision Without Knowledge Is Forbidden
According to Islamic teachings, if a person does not have knowledge of a matter, he should refrain from making a decision on it. In the Qur’an, Allah the Exalted says:
“وَمَنْ لَمْ يَحْكُم بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللّهُ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ”
In this verse, the term “fasiq” is applied to those who, disregarding Allah’s commands, make decisions according to their own whims and desires. In another hadith, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ spoke about the types of judges:
“Judges are of three kinds: one will enter Paradise and two will enter Hell. The one who will enter Paradise is the one who recognises the truth and decides according to it. The second is the one who recognises the truth but does not act justly, and the third is the one who decides without knowledge; both of these will be in Hell.”
Obedience to the Ruler and the Rights of the Subjects
Obedience to rulers is obligatory in the Islamic system, as long as they continue to make decisions in accordance with the commands of Allah and His Messenger. Allah the Exalted commanded in the Qur’an:
“يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَأُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنكُمْ”
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Listen and obey, even if a black slave with a head like a raisin (small) is appointed over you.”
These teachings show us that rulers should be obeyed as long as they act in accordance with Allah’s commands. However, if a ruler commands clear sins, then he will not be obeyed, as the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“It is necessary for a Muslim to listen to and obey the ruler, whether he likes it or dislikes it, as long as he is not commanded to commit a sin. When he is commanded to commit a sin, there is no listening and no obeying.”
The Punishment of an Oppressive Ruler
There is a severe warning of punishment for oppressive rulers. In the Qur’an, Allah the Exalted says:
“وَمَنْ لَمْ يَحْكُم بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللّهُ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ”
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Whoever is appointed as leader even over a small group of ten people will be brought on the Day of Resurrection bound. Only justice will free him, and his oppression will destroy him.”
Gentleness of the Ruler Toward His Subjects
Rulers must treat their subjects with gentleness and compassion, because oppression and harshness distance the subjects from the ruler and create hatred in their hearts. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Whoever is harsh with his subjects, Allah will be harsh with him. And whoever is gentle with his subjects, Allah will be gentle with him.”
It is narrated from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“O Allah, whoever takes charge of any matter of my ummah and is harsh with them, then be harsh with him; and whoever is gentle with them, then be gentle with him.”
The Virtue of a Just Ruler
Islam describes a great virtue for the just ruler. A ruler who decides with justice will be counted among Allah’s especially honoured servants on the Day of Resurrection. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Those who act justly in their judgments will be near Allah on pulpits of light. They are those who act justly in their judgments, in matters concerning their families and in matters concerning their subjects.”
The Understanding and Ijtihad of the Ruler
When making decisions, rulers should not only hold fast to justice but should also use ijtihad and understanding. The mention of Prophet Dawud and Prophet Sulayman (peace be upon them both) in the Qur’an is proof that Allah gave His prophets knowledge and wisdom so that they could understand matters deeply in their decisions.
It is narrated from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“When a ruler decides and exercises ijtihad (using sound understanding), and reaches the correct result, he receives two rewards. And if he exercises ijtihad and makes a mistake, he receives one reward.”
Summary
➊ Making a decision after hearing both parties is a requirement of justice.
➋ Deciding without knowledge is forbidden, and the one who decides without knowledge will enter Hell.
➌ Obedience to rulers is necessary, but if they command a sin, obedience will not be given.
➍ Just rulers will be counted among Allah’s especially chosen servants on the Day of Resurrection.
➎ Rulers should deal with their subjects gently and compassionately, because oppression creates distance between the ruler and the subjects.
➏ Rulers should use understanding and insight in their judgments, along with justice.
