CSS 2023 Special Solved Islamiyat Past Papers | Public Officials in an Islamic State
The following question of Islamiat is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is attempted on the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
About this specific question, the examiner asked about the major responsibilities and accountability of public state in Islam. However, to gain a high score in an exam, you need to give solid arguments, and it’s evidence from Quran and Sunnah. Therefore, you have to break the question into an outline, and introduction, followed by critical analysis and conclusion.
Outline
1- Introduction
2- Understanding the concept of public officials in the Islamic state
3- Throwing light on the Islamic state’s accountability for public officials with respect to Quran and Sunnah
- ✓ Serving as trustees of Public resources (Amannah)
- ✓ Ensuring fairness and equality in decision-making (Adl)
- ✓ Striving for excellence in public service (Ihsan)
- ✓ Involving stakeholders in decision-making (Shura)
4- Spotlighting the responsibilities of public officials in the Islamic state with respect to Quran and Sunnah
- ✓ Upholding Shariah law
- ✓ Promoting justice and equality
- ✓ Protecting public interests and safeguarding national security
- ✓ Providing public services efficiently though transparency
5- Critical analysis
6- Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
As vicegerents of Allah on earth, public officials in an Islamic state bear the weighty responsibility of upholding accountability for Shariah principles, ensuring justice and compassion for all. In fact, public officials are considered stewards or “Ameens” of the public trust, entrusted with ensuring justice, fairness, and the community’s welfare. However, this accountability and responsibility framework demands that public officials practice transparency, avoid corruption, Serve as trustees of Public resources, ensure fairness and equality in decision-making, Strive for excellence in public service, uphold Shariah law, Promoting justice and equality. Therefore, Islamic governance aims to create a just and equitable society by adhering to these principles.
Understanding the concept of public officials in the Islamic State
Before going deeper into the matter, it is pertinent to discuss the Islamic state, public officials are considered trustees of the people, entrusted with the sacred responsibility of upholding justice, equality, and righteousness. This concept, known as “Amanah” (trusteeship), is rooted in the Quran and Sunnah, emphasizing accountability to both Allah and the citizens. Public officials are expected to prioritize the greater good, exercising wisdom, integrity, and transparency in their decision-making. For instance, the Caliph Umar ibn Abdul Aziz, a renowned Islamic leader, demonstrated exemplary accountability by establishing a robust system of checks and balances, ensuring fairness and justice for all. Similarly, modern-day Islamic governments can emulate this prophetic model, fostering a culture of responsibility and accountability among public officials, ultimately strengthening the foundation of a just and equitable society.
Throwing light on the Islamic State’s accountability for public officials with respect to the Quran and Sunnah
- Serving as trustees of Public resources (Amannah)
First, as trustees of public resources, Islamic leaders and officials are obligated to manage and distribute these assets with utmost fairness, transparency, and accountability, ensuring their utilization benefits the entire community. For instance, the Quran emphasizes,
“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due”
(Surah An-Nisa, 4:58)
Historically, Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab exemplified this principle by establishing the Bayt al-Mal (Public Treasury) to manage public funds and ensure equitable distribution. Similarly, contemporary Islamic governments can emulate this model by prioritizing sustainable development, anti-corruption measures, and public participation in resource allocation. Thus, by doing so, they fulfill their Amanah, fostering a prosperous and just society.
- Ensuring fairness and equality in decision-making (Adl)
Second, in Islamic governance, ensuring fairness and equality in decision-making (Adl) is a fundamental principle, where leaders prioritize justice, impartiality, and equal treatment for all citizens; For instance, As the Quran states,
“Be upholders of justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves, your parents, or your kin”
(Surah An-Nisa, 4:135)
This verse underscores the responsibility of leaders to prioritize justice, even if it requires personal sacrifice. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified Adl in his governance, as seen in the famous incident where he reprimanded a companion for unfairly distributing wealth, saying,
“Fear Allah and be just”
(Sahih Bukhari)
Hence, fairness and equality are non-negotiable in Islamic decision-making, ensuring that leaders serve the greater good.
- Striving for excellence in public service (Ihsan)
Third, in Islamic governance, public officials are expected to strive for excellence in public service (Ihsan), demonstrating compassion, integrity, and diligence in serving the community. Illustratively, the Quran states,
“And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:195)
This verse encourages public officials to excel in their duties, motivated by a desire to please Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified Ihsan in his governance, saying,
“Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you will be asked about his flock”
(Sahih Bukhari)
This hadith underscores the responsibility of public officials to serve with excellence, accountability, and compassion. Thus, by embracing Ihsan, Islamic leaders ensure that public service is a noble pursuit, benefiting the community and earning divine rewards.
- Involving stakeholders in decision-making (Shura)
Lastly, involving stakeholders in decision-making, known as Shura, is a fundamental principle of Islamic governance, ensuring inclusive and wise decision-making. For instance, the Quran states,
“And consult them in the affair”
(Surah Al-Shura, 42:38)
highlighting the obligation of leaders to seek counsel from their community. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified Shura by consulting his companions on crucial matters, such as the Battle of Badr and the Treaty of Hudaybiyah. This prophetic practice demonstrates the value of diverse perspectives and collective decision-making for public officials. Thus, by involving stakeholders in decision-making through Shura, leaders foster accountability, build trust, and ensure that decisions serve the greater good.
Spotlighting the responsibilities of public officials in the Islamic state with respect to Quran and Sunnah
- Upholding Shariah law
First, In an Islamic state, upholding Shariah law is the cornerstone of governance, ensuring justice, morality, and righteousness. As an illustration, the Quran states,
“And govern between them by what Allah has revealed, and do not follow their inclinations”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:49)
This verse underscores the obligation of Islamic leaders to rule according to divine law rather than personal whims or human-made legislation. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reinforced this concept, saying,
“You will be governed according to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of your Prophet”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)
This hadith highlights the significance of Shariah as the primary source of legislation. By upholding Shariah law, Islamic leaders ensure a just and harmonious society.
- Promoting justice and equality
Second, Promoting justice and equality is a fundamental principle of Islamic governance, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and without discrimination. For instance, the Quran states,
“O you who believe, be upholders of justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves, your parents, or your kin”
(Surah An-Nisa’, 4:135)
This verse underscores the responsibility of believers to prioritize justice, even if it requires personal sacrifice. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reinforced this principle, saying,
“Allah does not look at your physical appearance or your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your actions”
(Sahih Muslim)
This hadith highlights Allah’s emphasis on inner righteousness and moral equality. Thus, promoting justice and equality, Islamic leaders create a harmonious society where all individuals can thrive.
- Protecting public interests and safeguarding national security
Third, Protecting public interests and safeguarding national security is a fundamental responsibility of Islamic governance, ensuring the well-being and safety of citizens. The Quran states,
“And hold not your hand back from spending in the way of Allah, and be cautious of your own selves”
(Surah Al-Anfal, 8:42)
This verse underscores the leader’s duty to prioritize public welfare and security. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reinforced this concept, saying,
“The leader is a guardian of his people, and he will be questioned about his wards”
(Sahih Bukhari)
This hadith highlights the leader’s accountability for safeguarding public interests. Therefore, by prioritizing national security and public welfare, Islamic leaders fulfill their divine mandate to protect and serve their citizens.
- Providing public services efficiently through transparency
Finally, providing public services efficiently through transparency is a cornerstone of Islamic governance, ensuring accountability and trust in the administration. Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability in public service. Illustratively, the Quran states,
“And those who are faithful to their trusts and covenants”
(Surah Al-Anfal, 8:27)
This verse underscores the responsibility of leaders to honour their trust and maintain transparency. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reinforced this concept, saying,
“Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you will be asked about his flock”
(Sahih Bukhari)
This hadith highlights the leader’s accountability for their actions and decisions. Thus, by providing public services efficiently through transparency, Islamic leaders demonstrate their commitment to justice, fairness, and the well-being of citizens.
Critical Analysis
Critically, while the theoretical framework of responsibility and accountability in an Islamic state is comprehensive and morally compelling, practical implementation often faces significant challenges. The ideals of amanah and muhasabah require systems of governance that ensure transparency, justice, and checks on power. However, in contemporary Muslim-majority states, political corruption, nepotism, and authoritarian tendencies frequently undermine these principles. Many governments struggle to implement the consultative model of shura, instead favoring centralized and unaccountable decision-making. Moreover, the interpretation and application of Shariah principles vary widely across Islamic states, leading to inconsistencies in governance. In some cases, rulers exploit religion to legitimize their power, diluting the essence of accountability. This discrepancy between the ideal and reality points to a need for systemic reforms that prioritize education, institutional integrity, and civic engagement to align governance with Islamic teachings. Furthermore, the globalized nature of the modern world creates additional complexities. Economic pressures, foreign influences, and the diversity of Muslim populations challenge the uniform application of Islamic principles. Thus, the accountability of public officials must evolve to incorporate contemporary tools like digital transparency, independent judiciary systems, and international benchmarks of good governance.
Conclusion
Summing up the debate, the responsibility and accountability of public officials in an Islamic state are foundational to achieving justice, equity, and public trust. While the theoretical model rooted in amanah and muhasabah is exemplary, its practical application often falls short due to systemic weaknesses and evolving global dynamics. Bridging this gap requires a committed effort to reform governance structures, prioritize ethical leadership, and foster civic awareness among citizens. By adhering to the core Islamic principles of justice and stewardship, public officials can work towards building a society that embodies both spiritual and worldly prosperity.
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