Islam_in_Focus_text

different course, then he is bound to go along with them, be-
cause the matter in question is no longer under individual
consideration or deliberation but is undergoing public imple-
mentation (3:102-105; 8:46)
11. The governorship of the Islamic State is a public
trust, to which the administrators are entrusted by the Word
of God as well as by the common consent of the people.
With God being the Supreme Sovereign of the state, whoev-
er represents Him in the top office must be faithful to the
Entrusting Authority, must be a believer in God. And with
the majority of the people being Muslims, whoever assumes
the office of Presidency or Caliphate must be a true Muslim.
These measures are taken to serve the common interest and
fulfill all the obligations of the State to God as well as to the
citizens. They are also to secure and honor the rights of the
so-called religious or racial minorities.
It is unfortunate for humanity that this ruling of Islam
has been pooriy understood and badly distorted. The fact of
the matter is that this ruling is not discriminating against mi-
norities but is rather protective and assertive of their rights.
Whoever wishes to be a law-abiding citizen of the Islamic
State is welcome to it, and shares with others the duties and
prerogatives of responsible citizenship. His being a non-
Muslim does not lower his status or drop him down to sec-
ond class citizenship, as long as he obeys the common law