CSS Solved Political Science 2026 Past Paper | Al-Ghazali’s Theory on the Origin of the State
The following question of CSS Political Science 2026 is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, a renowned CSS coach for Islamiat and Political Science. Moreover, the question is attempted using the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, who have scored the highest marks in compulsory and optional subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question breakdown
The question has two parts: first, to analyze Al-Ghazali’s theory on the origin of the state, including human nature, social order, and religion; second, to explain its key features, such as the fusion of religion and politics, justice, obedience, the ruler’s accountability, and pragmatic authority. A complete answer links theory with these core principles.
Outline
1- Introduction
2- Intellectual Background of Al-Ghazali’s Political Thought
3-Al-Ghazali’s Theory on the Origin of the State
- (Social by Nature, Political by Need) Human Nature and Social Necessity
- From Chaos to Control (Need for Order and Prevention of Chaos)
- Guarding Faith through the State (Protection of Religion as the Core Objective)
- Power with Divine Legitimacy (Divine Sanction of Political Authority)
4- Nature of the State in Al-Ghazali’s Thought
5- Features of Al-Ghazali’s Theory of the State
- Faith at the Helm (Fusion of Religion and Politics)
- Justice as the Pillar (Centrality of Justice and Public Welfare)
- Order through Obedience (Obedience to Authority for Social Stability)
- Ruler’s Moral Compass (Moral Responsibility of the Ruler)
- Pragmatism over Idealism (Pragmatic Acceptance of Existing Power Structures)
6- Conclusion
Answer to the question
Introduction
Political authority has always been a central concern in Islamic thought, where governance is closely linked with moral and religious principles. Among classical Muslim scholars, Al-Ghazali stands out for integrating philosophy, theology, and practical governance. He offered a theory on the origin of the state that explains why political authority is necessary and how it should function to ensure social order, justice, and the protection of religion. Understanding his ideas is essential not only for historical insight but also for contemporary reflections on the relationship between religion and politics in Muslim societies.
Intellectual Background of Al-Ghazali’s Political Thought
Historically, Al-Ghazali lived during a period of political turbulence marked by the decline of Abbasid authority and the rise of Seljuk dominance. Consequently, he sought a framework that could reconcile religious principles with the practical realities of governance. His political thought reflects influences from Islamic jurisprudence, Kalam (theology), and Persian administrative traditions. Notably, his emphasis on stability, moral authority, and social cohesion emerged as a response to widespread disorder, factionalism, and moral decay in society, highlighting the need for a state that could safeguard both religion and public welfare.
Al-Ghazali’s Theory on the Origin of the State
- Social by Nature, Political by Need (Human Nature and Social Necessity)
Al-Ghazali begins his analysis with human nature, observing that humans are inherently social beings who cannot survive or flourish in isolation. Hence, the interdependence of individuals necessitates organized institutions for mutual benefit. Families, tribes, and larger communities illustrate that cooperation is natural, and the formation of a political structure is an extension of this social instinct. Without such organization, human capacities for protection, economic activity, and moral development would remain limited.
- From Chaos to Control (Need for Order and Prevention of Chaos)
Moreover, Al-Ghazali argues that unregulated human interaction can lead to conflict over resources, power, and honor. In the absence of authority, societies risk falling into anarchy, with disorder threatening both life and property. Thus, the state emerges as a mechanism to maintain law, regulate disputes, and ensure collective security. Historical examples, such as the stabilizing role of early Islamic caliphates in unifying diverse tribes under a legal framework, reflect the importance of authority in preventing societal chaos.
- Guarding Faith through the State (Protection of Religion as the Core Objective)
Furthermore, Al-Ghazali places the protection of religion at the heart of the state’s purpose. For him, political authority is inseparable from moral and spiritual guidance. The state’s legitimacy derives from its ability to safeguard Shariah, promote ethical conduct, and prevent moral decay. For instance, rulers who support religious education, enforce ethical norms, and protect places of worship embody this principle. Religion, therefore, is not a private matter but a public concern central to the maintenance of social order.
- Power with Divine Legitimacy (Divine Sanction of Political Authority)
In addition, Al-Ghazali argues that political authority carries a divine dimension. The ruler acts as God’s representative, entrusted with upholding justice and morality. Consequently, the ruler is morally accountable before God, and obedience to legitimate authority is framed as both a religious and civic duty. This concept echoes the practice of Muslim governance during the classical era, where legitimacy was often derived from adherence to Shariah alongside political control.
Nature of the State in Al-Ghazali’s Thought
Building on these principles, Al-Ghazali conceives the state as both a political and religious institution. Its primary aim is to ensure stability, maintain moral order, and provide justice. Importantly, he prioritizes functionality over idealistic perfection, arguing that even imperfect authority is preferable to the chaos of lawlessness. This pragmatic perspective highlights a central tension in his thought: the state must be morally guided yet operationally effective, balancing idealism with the practicalities of governance.
Features of Al-Ghazali’s Theory of the State
- Faith at the Helm (Fusion of Religion and Politics)
First of all, Al-Ghazali insists that religion and state are inseparable. The state derives its legitimacy from its role in promoting moral and religious welfare, and political authority is meaningless without guiding ethical principles. Historically, Muslim rulers who aligned governance with religious law, such as the early Abbasid caliphs, illustrate this fusion.
- Justice as the Pillar (Centrality of Justice and Public Welfare)
Second, justice is the defining principle of governance. The ruler’s primary task is to ensure fairness, protect rights, and uphold social harmony. For example, implementing equitable taxation systems and regulating markets reflect the pursuit of justice as a collective good, a concept consistent with both Islamic jurisprudence and Al-Ghazali’s framework.
- Order through Obedience (Obedience to Authority for Social Stability)
Third, obedience to legitimate authority is essential for societal cohesion. Al-Ghazali cautions against rebellion and civil unrest, as instability undermines both religious and worldly welfare. Consequently, maintaining public order through respect for the ruler ensures the continuity of social and moral structures.
- Ruler’s Moral Compass (Moral Responsibility of the Ruler)
Fourth, the ruler is morally accountable to God. Governance is not a privilege but a trust (amanah). Leaders must act with integrity, prioritize justice, and consider the welfare of their subjects. Failure to do so, according to Al-Ghazali, results in spiritual and political decay. This principle resonates with contemporary ideas of ethical leadership, accountability, and public service.
- Pragmatism over Idealism (Pragmatic Acceptance of Existing Power Structures)
Finally, Al-Ghazali accepts the practical reality of de facto power structures. Even imperfect rulers are preferable to disorder if they preserve justice and stability. Thus, his theory emphasizes political realism: stability and public welfare take precedence over unattainable ideals. Historical examples include Muslim states where local rulers maintained order despite deviations from ideal governance norms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Al-Ghazali presents the state as a necessary institution arising from human social nature, the need for order, and the protection of religion. By fusing moral authority with pragmatic governance, he establishes principles that stress justice, obedience, and ethical responsibility. Ultimately, his theory balances idealism with realism, offering enduring guidance for Muslim societies seeking legitimacy, stability, and moral governance. The enduring relevance of his thought lies in demonstrating that political authority, when guided by moral and religious principles, serves both societal welfare and divine purpose.
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