Islam and elements of good governance – Part 1 , by AbdulJeleel Solahudeen

Islam as an all-embracing ideology adequately touches every aspect of human endeavour; ranging from spiritual, moral, socio-economic to political aspect of life. The world would have been in perfect peace if sincerely, the whole world adopts Islam as a system due to its comprehensiveness.

Governance in the act of harnessing both the human and material resources in a particular area for the socio-economic uplift of the human population in that area. Almighty Allah (SWT) recognises this essence when after having created the heaven and the earth He made man His vicegerent (Khalifa) on the surface of the earth. Man as Allah’s vicegerent is expected to direct the affairs on the earth such that the purpose of creation might be accomplished.

It is a great privilege for man to be saddled with His great responsibility and an opportunity that should not be abused.

That is why Almighty Allah says: “It is He (Allah) who has made the earth manageable for you, so traverse ye through its tracts and enjoy of the sustenance which He furnishes; but unto Him is the resurrection.”

It is on this premise that Islam emphasises the importance of good governance and states its element as follows: Good leadership is the first element of good governance. Islam, therefore, lays down certain outstanding qualities as basic prerequisite for a leader.

If the fruits of governance must reach the masses in its bunches a conscious Muslim should be made the leader, where this is not available, God-consciousness should be the priority of the selectors in picking who leads them.

Another spectacular quality of a leader in Islam is justice, equity and fair play combined.

A leader is expected to be just and fair in his dealings. The concept of justice relating to the people is very much emphasised in many verses in the Holy Qur’an.

Allah (SWT) says: “O ye who believe! Stand firmly for Allah as witnesses to fair dealings and let not hatred of others to you make you to swerve to wrong and depart from justice; Be just, that is next to piety, Then fear Allah for Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.” Q5:8

The antecedents of a person is what would attest to whether he/she possesses this special quality or not.

Another quality of a leader is truthfulness. A leader is expected to be truthful in words and in action. This reflects in his fulfilling his covenants with his creator and redeeming his promises and obligations to the people.

Now that our country is speedily moving to another season of political transition, Nigerians are advised to be fervent in prayers and be ready to shun all kinds of sentiments and toe the path of righteousness in selecting who leads them (in) the next dispensation so that we can have a better tomorrow. May Allah (SWT) ease our task and  guide us to make the right choice (Amin).