I & M 101 - Systems, Law, Life Cycle
Islamic Systems:
1. Judicial, legislative, executive
2. Economic
3. Health, Education, Human services
4. Defense, Military
5. International relations
Judicial, Legislative, Executive
A prototype Muslim society was established by prophet Muhammad (PPBUH) soon after his arrival at Medinah. It had all the elements of a typical "state" in the modern terms, which later became an empire. Thus, it encompassed the necessary legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government.
After the prophet's death, the successor ruler would be termed "Khalifah" (Caliph / Successor), and later "Amir al-Mu'mineen" (the leader of believers). The leader was elected by the Muslim system of Mubaya'a (giving allegiance). the rule was based on the Muslim system of Shura (= democracy / public consultation).
The high scholars (Faquih) are the law makers, usually based on Quran and Sunnah (see Law).
Muslim Judges received utmost significance as the judicial and justice system reached its peak.
For further reading on the subject, see this article: CLICK
Economic
One word usually summarizes the economic system in Islam: ZAKAT.
Also, called alms or charity, it is the third pillar of Islam. It is based on allocating a definite portion of income or property, that meets certain conditions, to about 6 different categories of people or entities, on an annual basis.
the Fiqh (Jurisprudence) of Zakat is so vast that books have been written in it. It is also mentioned in the Quran with almost every vers that talks about Salat.
for an overview of Zakat, refer to this video by Yasser Qadi
CLICK
Health, Education, and human services
1. Health: In Islam, health is of utmost importance. It is part of the second essential objective (Maqsad), which is to preserve Nafs (soul / life). (see objectives of Islam). The Quran states that "whoever takes a life—unless as a punishment for murder or mischief in the land—it will be as if they killed all of humanity; and whoever saves a life, it will be as if they saved all of humanity." (5:32).
The prophet (PPBUH) said: "a lot of people often loose in two bounties: health and free time" (Bukhari).
Thus, Islam's doctrines ensure the preservation of health, focusing on prevention, and properly addressing disease; and the subject has received so much attention. There were books written early on, including ones on the prophet'e tradition when it comes to Medicine. Muslim physicians were also abundant early on, as well as Muslim medical schools.
For a contemporary view on the subject, consult this report by he UN.
CLICK HERE
Defense, International relations
Since the early days of the newly established Muslim society in Medinah, The prophet, his companions, and successors were sure to establish, develop, strengthen, and improve a Muslim defense system. The Quran and the Sunnah gave clear guidelines for that, and the Muslims were triumphant in almost every battle.
Almost every battle the Muslims fought was in defense of either the sovereignty, regional peace and stability, local or regional freedom from oppression or the world peace.
Thus, as the Islamic "empire" grew and stability increased, world or international relations were at their best.
Law / Shari'a / Rulings
What is Shari'a?
Shari'a is the laws governing everyday life. From marriage to divorce, selling and buying to contacting and performing services, every interaction, transaction or dealing must be according to Shari'a and the relevant principles of Islam.
At the level of the individual, it is a code of living. Whereas for the governing body, for example, it would be a code of rule, and so on.
Sources of Islamic Jurisprudence
Most scholars agree on 4 major sources of Islamic Jurisprudence:
1. Quran
2. Sunnah
3. Ijmaa' (Consensus)
4. Quias (analogy)
For a detailed article on the subject, CLICH HERE
The Islamic Penal system
The penal system in Islam is referred to as "Hudoud" (limits / boundaries). Although their primary use is for criminal acts, but they also apply to minor offenses and misdemeanors.
The 5 Rulings
1. Fard / Faridah (Obligatory): must be done. Doing it will be rewarded, and failing to do it (without legitimate reason) constitutes a sin (punishable)
2. Mustahab / Mandoub (Desirable): should be done. Doing it is rewrded, and not doing it is not sinful.
3. Makrooh (Undesirable): Should not be done. Doing it may not be punishable, and not doing it is rewarded.
4. Haram (Forbidden): Must not be done. Doing it is sinful, and not doing it is rewarded.
Life Cycle
1. Life before birth
2. Birth, Aquiqah, naming of child, child rearing and education
3. Life stages
4. Marriage, human sexuality
5. Divorce, Orphanage, widows
6. Kinship, Social relations
7. Health and disease
8. Death and dying, mourning and other related practices
9. The afterlife
Birth & Life Stages
1. Life before birth: Both Quran and Sunnah gave significance to life before birth. Quran Talked about the 3 layers or stages that the fetus goes through. It even talks about the beginning of embryonic development when it mentions the creation of Man from a single cell (Nutfah). These early stages have legal impact on marital relations, divorce etc.
The prophet, on the other hand mentions, in a Hadith, how the fetus goes through stages of 40 days each, during which it will develop from a cell (Nutfah) to a suspended tissue (Alaqah), to a formed piece (Mudghah)- at which point his sole will be infused and his provision, age, deeds, and fate (happy or miserable) will be ascribed.
2. Birth, Aquiqah, naming of child, child rearing and education: Quran also refers to human birth and nursing of the baby and the legal rights implications.
The Sunnah of the prophet, on the other hand, introduced the tradition of the Aquiqah (newborn feast), choosing a good name for the child, and raising the child according to Islamic principles. the prophet's Sunnah when it comes to children is a role model.
The prophet also asserted that every child is borne on the Fitrah (Innate submission = Islam); and later, his parents are the ones that shape him into whatever belief system they choose.
CLICK HERE for an article on Aquiqah and other resources.
3. Life stages : Quran and Sunnah then refer to other stages of life: youth, adults, older adults, elderly; each having its own implications, expectations etc.
Marriage, Divorce
Quran States: "and one of His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find comfort in them. And He has placed between you compassion and mercy. Surely in this are signs for people who reflect." (30:21)
The prophet (PPBUH) said in a Hadith narrated by Bukhari and Muslim: "O' young people, whomever is able to do so, do get married, for it's better to lower the gaze and protect privacy; and whomever is not able, he should fast, for fasting is a shield for him".
Thus, Islam gave a lot of significance to marriage and described the holy matrimony as a strong covenant "And how could you take it back after having enjoyed each other intimately and she has taken from you a firm covenant?" (4:21)
Thus, even though Divorce is allowed in Islam, the prophet describes it as "the most disliked Halal to Allah". However, much jurisprudence has been associated with divorce to ensure rights and responsibilities of all involved.
To ensure proper and successful marital and family relations, The Sunnah set forth guidelines for mate selection, marital interactions and so on. The prophet himself was a role model in this regards. In fact most of his marital experiences were to establish the proper Sunnah for Muslims to follow.
To see more about how the prophet was a role model, read this article: CLICK HERE
By the same token, widows, Divorcees, and orphans have received so much attention in Quran and Sunnah.
Kinship & Other Relations
Family ties or kinship, referred to as "Silat Rahm" in Islam is of utmost significance. To the point that the prophet describes it as something "hanging to the throne of Allah; and it says: whomever Keeps my ties I'll keep his, and whomever cuts them i'll cu his."
The first and most important of these ties is that of the parents. (Quran,17:23).
For more on the subject, check this ARTICLE and VIDEO.
Death, Afterlife
Death and Dying: Due to their strong belief in the hereafter, Muslims look at death as a transient stage between this life and the hereafter. Thus, these events are surrounded with faithful and pious attitudes, supplications, and prayers that promote a sense of patience, glad tidings, and positive outlook.
The Quran states: "We will certainly test you with a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life, and crops. Give good news to those who patiently endure—(2:155); "who, when faced with a disaster, say, “Surely to Allah we belong and to Him we will ˹all˺ return.” (2:156); "They are the ones who will receive Allah’s blessings and mercy. And it is they who are ˹rightly˺ guided." (2:157)
Following the Sunnah, Muslims practice certain prayers, rituals etc. upon the passing of someone. This includes, for example, Janaza (funeral) prayer.
Mourning is not allowed for more than 3 days, except for the widow.
Health & Disease
Islam pays great attention to human health. Besides Quranic general principles of protecting the Nafs (sole, person), The prophet is reported as saying: "No harm and no harming", and "indeed your body has a right upon you"; "two bounties people are loosing out on: health and free time".
Islam's guidelines, worship, and rulings preserve health and prevent disease by:
1. Emphasizing cleanliness and hygiene
2. Encouraging activity
3. Recommending healthy, fine consumption (Tayyibat)
4. Urging the avoidance of, and forbidding harmful elements, and food
5. Promoting balance and moderation
6. Promoting healthy rest and sleep
7. Emphasizing mental tranquility and health