CSS Islamiat | The Concept of Public Administration in Islam
The following question of CSS Islamiat is solved by Maliha Noor under the supervision of Howfiv’s Islamiat coach, Miss Ayesha Irfan. She learnt how to attempt 20 marks question and essay writing from Sir Syed Kazim Ali, Pakistan’s best CSS and PMS English essay and precis teacher with the highest success rate of his students. This solved question is attempted using the pattern taught by Sir to his students, who have scored the highest marks in compulsory and optional subjects for years.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-The elucidating the concept of public administration
3-The Concept of Public Administration in Islam
- In the light of the Quran
- In the light of Hadith
4-Administrative Activities of Prophet (PBUH) In Madina
- Reformation of Madina
- Meesaq-e-Madina (Constitution of Madina), the first multi-faith contract
- Union of The Aws And the Khazraj
- Treaty of Hudaibiyah
- Communication With Chieftains, Arabian Kings And Foreign Leaders
5-Critical Analysis
6-Conclusion
Answer to the question
Introduction
The concept of public administration in Islam refers to the planning, managing, implementing, administering, arranging, navigating, and handling all the affairs of life. Public administration is the bridge between the civilian and the administrator to maintain justice and equality in society. However, Islamic teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, guide man to follow and obey the rule of the Divine God, ensure social justice, and catch the culprits who misguide humanity. Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him played a tremendous role in his life as a public administrator and performed landmark achievements, such as the reformation of Medina (Meeshaq-e-Medina), the Union of Aws and Khazraj, the Treaty of Hudabiya, and promoted communication with chieftains, Arabian kings, and foreign leaders. To sum up, the Islamic public administration system is a universally accepted mechanism which is given to mankind to promote equality, justice, and harmony for the betterment of the Muslim Ummah and a peaceful society.
Elucidating the Concept of Public Administration
The concept of public administration involves planning, organising, leading, and controlling all the affairs of life, whether public or private. Public administration is the systemic execution of public laws, and every particular application of law is an act of administration. Public administration plays a crucial role in the functioning of the state and in delivering services to the people for their welfare. As Sahih Bukhari’s hadith 893 states, “each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock”. This hadith narrates that every person has responsibilities in life, just like a ruler is responsible for the people and a father is responsible for his family. So, act accordingly, as the supreme authority is watching.
The Concept of Public Administration in Islam
- The concept of Public Administration in the light of the Quran
The Arabic Tadbir word is used for public administration, which defines the role and duties of the public administrator. As the Quran mentions public administration in verse Surah An-Nisa (4:58), “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice”. This verse narrates that you do justice and promote accountability in society as you are a public officer, and it is due upon you to perform your duties.
- The concept of Public administration in the light of the Hadith
The teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are deeply rooted in the framework of public administration, where he promoted just, good governance, and accountability. As Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6788; Sahih Muslim states in his hadith book that “Indeed, those before you were ruined because, when a noble person committed theft, they used to let him go, but when a weak person committed theft, they used to punish him. By Allah, if Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad, stole, I would cut off her hand”. This openly confirms that the Prophet demonstrated his role as a public administrator before the rule of law and ensured accountability and remained impartial, no matter who was before him, even from his family.
4-Administrative Activities of Prophet (PBUH) In Madina
- Reformation Of Madina
The Prophet (PBUH) laid the foundation of the first Islamic state, Madina. After the migration to the Madina, the Prophet (PBUH) observed several issues in the state as various tribes were under the bloodshed, especially Aws and Khazraj. They led to political instability in the Yasrab. After the Bu’ath war, a devastating civil war was there, shortly before the arrival of the Prophet. The people of Yasrab were in dire need of a wise leader, and then they came to know about the Prophet, a public administrator, and the events of the First Pledge of Aqaba and the Second Pledge of Aqaba. Moreover, many people accepted Islam and supported the Prophet in conquering the state of Madina. Thus, this is a real-time example of a prophet as an honest public administrator who not only conquered the state peacefully but also converted many people into Islam.
- Meesaq-E-Madina:( constitution of Madina) first multi-faith civil contract
The Prophet (PBUH) played a significant role as s public administrator. His approach to public affairs was based on mutual respect, perseverance, and peaceful coexistence. However, the formation of the Constitution of Madina was the first Muslim written constitution under the supreme leadership of the Prophet (PBUH) to unite different tribes, such as Ansar, Muhajereen, Jews and Muslims. This constitution was the blueprint for Islamic governance based on justice. This milestone truly highlights the administrative qualities of the Prophet. As the Quran says, Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:42, 5:49), “So judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their desires”. This verse confirms how the prophet acted as a public officer in such a complex matter and resolved the disputes rationally. Hence, this is a wise example of the prophet as a public administrator and his strategies.
- Union Of The Aws And Khazraj
Awz and Khazraj were two tribes of Arabs. They were frequently engaged in bloodshed, warfare, and conflicts for decades. Their most notable battle was Bu’ath, which left both tribes exhausted and weakened. However, continued warfare in the area made the lives miserable. The following tribes, such as the Jewish tribe, Banu Qaynuqa, Banu Kuryas, and Banu Nadir, sometimes made alliances with either the Aws or the Khazraj according to their conflict situation. After this whole scenario, the people of Yathrab needed a trustworthy and competitive leader who would solve their ongoing rivalry. After the arrival of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, he formulated the constitution of Medina that outlined the rights and responsibilities of the groups within the community. As the Quran says, Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:103, “You were enemies, then He joined your hearts, and you became brothers by His grace”. This verse clearly states that the Prophet (PBUH) chose the path of peace and performed this role as a mediator to bring people together under the umbrella of Islam. As a result, this constitution helped to unify the diverse groups in Medina, such as the Aws and the Khazraj. This showed how substantially the Prophet played a role in ending the ongoing rivalry and building a peaceful society.
- Treaty Of Hudaibiyah
The Treaty of Hudabiya was the peaceful agreement signed between the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Quraysh of Makkah. Quraysh kept their demands before the Holy Prophet; however, the demands were against the Muslims, but for the long-term benefits of the Muslim ummah, the Prophet (PBUH) accepted their clauses and signed a treaty. As Allah mentions in the Quran Surah Al-Fatiha (48:1), “Indeed, We have granted you a clear victory”. This verse states that Sulh-e-Hudabiya is the clear triumph for the Muslim umma; this compromise of Muslims bestowed upon the Prophet (PBUH) a manifest conquest that surpassed all the praise grounds. Hence, his treaty of Hudabiya demonstrated the Prophet’s role as a public administrator par excellence.
- Communication With Chieftains, Arabian Kings And Foreign Leaders
Coming down to the role of the prophet as a public administrator, after the conquest of Madina he extended his relations with different leaders and Arab kings and sent them letters to accept Islam; namely Heraclius (Byzantine Emperor), (King of Persia) Muqawqis (Ruler of Egypt), Najashi (King of Abyssinia/Ethiopia), Al-Mundhir ibn Sawa (Ruler of Bahrain), and Harith ibn Abi Shamir al-Ghassani (Ruler of Damascus). To sum up, these activities of the prophet administered the role of prophet as a public officer and showed how he managed his relations with foreign officers as a public administrator.
Critical Analysis
Ironically, the present era lags behind in the teaching of Islam as they do not follow the patterns of the holy Prophet (PBUH) in their affairs. The main reason behind this motto is the absolute ignorance of Sharia, and they obey worldly formulated laws, negating the divine law. Therefore, it is necessary to bring such reforms that promote justice, equality, and accountability and lead a nation toward a prosperous society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Holy Prophet (PBUH), as a public administrator, paved the way for a peaceful society, impartial governance, social harmony and justice. However, these incidents remind Muslims to encourage and adopt the qualities of the Prophet. This not only flourishes Muslims’ lives here and hereafter but also increases their value and respect in the eyes of Allah. In short, Islam not only provides guidelines in social, ethical, and financial walks of life but also remains the complete code for political and public affairs.
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