Volume 10 Surah 12 - 15 - Enjoy Islam

Yūsuf (Joseph) | FROM PRISON TO PALACE
This rule was formulated in an Islamic community so that it could be
implemented by that community, because it serves its purposes and fits with its
historical requirements and general nature. It is an Islamic rule for an Islamic
community. It is not a theoretical rule for an idealistic situation. Hence, it produces
its beneficial effects only when it is implemented in a community that is Islamic in
origin, make-up and commitment. Any community that does not meet these criteria
is merely a vacuum, in as much as this rule is concerned. It is not a fitting
environment for its implementation. This applies to all provisions of the Islamic legal
code, but we are speaking in detail here only about this particular rule because it is
the one related to the text of the sūrah we are discussing.
We need now to understand why people in Islamic society must not speak about
their own good qualities, and why they must not nominate themselves for positions
of government. Why are they not allowed to organize an election campaign so that
they can be voted into parliament, or to a leadership position? The answer is that in
Islamic society people do not need any of this in order to show their suitability for
such positions. Moreover, such positions in society are really a heavy burden which
does not tempt anyone to seek them, except for reward from God should one be able
to discharge heavy responsibilities properly, for the general interest of the
community. This means that positions of government are only sought by people who
have some purpose of their own which they wish to accomplish by holding office.
Such people must not be given such positions. But this fact cannot be properly
understood until we have understood the true nature of the Muslim community and
its make-up.
The Birth of a Muslim Community
Movement is the constituent element of Islamic society, and this is what gives
birth to it. Initially, the faith comes from its divine source, conveyed by God’s
Messenger in word and deed. In later generations, it is represented by advocates of
the divine faith. Some people will respond to this advocacy, and they are met with
resistance, and subjected to persecution by tyrannical regimes implementing
different forms of Jāhiliyyah. Some may succumb to persecution and turn away from
the faith and its advocating movement, while others remain steadfast. Some of the
latter may become martyrs, and others continue the struggle until God has judged
between them and their opponents. This latter group will be granted victory by God,
who makes them a means of fulfilling His will. He fulfils His promise to them of
victory and power, so that they can establish the rule of divine faith. The victory is
not theirs as a personal gain or reward. It is a victory of their message, so that they
establish God’s Lordship of mankind.
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