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Can a Non-Muslim Rule an Islamic State?

Q: Today I was having a debate with a very loving uncle of mine regarding the issue that whether a non Muslim can become a ruler of an Islamic state or not. We didn’t end up with any conclusion so I need your help. I’m of the view that a non Muslim can become a ruler provided that he has all the abilities required in a genuine leader and can make the state prosperous. So what does Islam ordains us about this matter. If the answer is “YES”, then it’s ok for me but if “NO” then kindly answer my following queries:

  1. If he can’t become a leader then in my view its injustice with him owing to only this reason that he has born that way which he had no control of?
  2. He lives in that state and loves it and can sacrifice his life for his motherland like any other Muslim can so where’s the difference?
  3. In such debates, just to make an argument, we assume any such supposed leader to implement all the things which have been prohibited by Islam on us even though our constitution doesn’t allow any such rule to be passed. So even then why is Islam not allowing it?

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A: When a disbeliever does not believe in Allah Ta’ala nor recognize Him, how can he be made to rule over Muslims and how can it be expected of him to enforce the laws of Shariah in the land. Allah Ta’ala says: 

وَلَن يَجْعَلَ اللَّـهُ لِلْكَافِرِينَ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ سَبِيلًا ﴿النساء: ١٤١﴾

“We have given no authority to disbelievers over believers”
 

And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

This answer was collected from MuftiOnline.co.za, where the questions have been answered by Mufti Zakaria Makada (Hafizahullah), who is currently a senior lecturer in the science of Hadith and Fiqh at Madrasah Ta’leemuddeen, Isipingo Beach, South Africa.

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