In Islam, Power is viewed as a responsibility that should be exercised with justice, humility, and in service to Allah (TWT) and humanity. The Qur’an outlines principles for how power should be understood, acquired, and used. Below are 12 Principles of Power in Islam:
1. POWER BELONGS TO ALLAH ALONE
– True power and sovereignty belong to Allah, and humans are entrusted with temporary authority.
– “Say, ‘O Allah, Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will and You take sovereignty away from whom You will…’” (Qur’an 3:26)
2. JUSTICE IN POWER (ADL)
– Power should always be exercised with justice, ensuring fairness and equality for all.
– “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice…” (Qur’an 4:58)
3. TRUST (AMANAH)
– Holding power is a trust (amanah) from Allah, and those in authority must fulfill their responsibilities with integrity.
– “Indeed, We offered the Trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, but they declined to bear it and feared it; but man [undertook to] bear it…” (Qur’an 33:72)
4. HUMILITY IN POWER
– Power should be exercised with humility and without arrogance. Arrogance leads to downfall in the sight of Allah.
– “And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth [apart], and you will never reach the mountains in height.” (Qur’an 17:37)
5. CONSULTATION (SHURA)
– Decision-making, especially when in positions of authority, should be done through consultation and consensus.
– “And those who have responded to their lord and established prayer and whose affair is [determined by] consultation among themselves…” (Qur’an 42:38)
6. ACCOUNTABILITY TO ALLAH
– All power is accountable to Allah, and those in authority will be judged by how they use their power.
– “Then We will surely question those to whom [a message] was sent, and We will surely question the messengers.” (Qur’an 7:6)
7. PROTECTION OF THE WEAK
– One of the key responsibilities of power is to protect and support the vulnerable, such as the poor, orphans, and the oppressed.
– “And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and [for] the oppressed among men, women, and children…” (Qur’an 4:75)
8. AVOIDING TYRANNY
– Tyranny and oppression are condemned, and those in power should rule with compassion and mercy.
– “Indeed, Pharaoh exalted himself in the land and made its people into factions, oppressing a group among them…” (Qur’an 28:4)
9. USING POWER TO PROMOTE GOOD (AMR BIL MA’RUF)
– Power should be used to promote what is good and prevent what is evil.
– “Let there arise from among you a group inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong…” (Qur’an 3:104)
10. PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE
– Leaders and those in positions of power must exercise patience, especially in times of difficulty and when facing opposition.
– “So be patient. Indeed, the promise of Allah is truth. And let them not disquiet you who are not certain [in faith].” (Qur’an 30:60)
11. BALANCE OF POWER AND RESPONSIBILITY
– Power comes with responsibility, and the more power one has, the more accountable one becomes for their actions.
– “We do not burden any soul beyond what it can bear…” (Qur’an 2:286)
12. SPIRITUAL POWER OVER MATERIAL POWER
– Spiritual power and closeness to Allah are considered superior to material power and wealth.
– “But those who believe and do righteous deeds – We will admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding therein forever. [It is] the promise of Allah, [which is] truth, and who is more truthful than Allah in statement.” (Qur’an 4:122)
These principles provide a framework for understanding and exercising power in a way that aligns with Islamic teachings. Power should be used with humility, justice, and in service to others, with an awareness of ultimate accountability to Allah.
Written by:
Suleiman, Abdulmalik King
Project Director, AMDC