PMS 2016 Solved Islamiat Past Papers | Islamic Economic, Judicial, and Administrative System
The following question of PMS Islamiat 2016 is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is asked using the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, who have consistently scored the highest marks in compulsory subjects. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to approach a topic or question, write coherently, what coherence is, and how to effectively include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
This question asks for an exploration of the Islamic economic, judicial, and administrative systems, examining their core principles and how they were implemented during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the early Caliphate. Additionally, it seeks a comparison of these systems with modern governance frameworks, assessing their influence and the challenges of applying them in today’s world. The focus is on understanding how Islamic governance principles can address contemporary issues and offer practical solutions.
Outline
1-Introduction
2- Islamic Economic System
- Fundamentals of Islamic Economy
- Wealth Distribution in Islam
- Economic Justice and Anti-Exploitation Principles
- Examples from the Prophet’s (PBUH) Time
3- Islamic Judicial System
- Independence of the Judiciary
- Role of Qadis (Judges)
- Principles of Justice
- Examples from the Prophet’s Time and Early Caliphate
4-Islamic Administrative System
- Central Authority of the Caliph
- Administrative Organization and Appointment of Governors (Walis)
- Role of Shura (Consultative Assembly)
- Public Welfare and Social Services
- Examples from the Caliphate Era
5- Comparison with Modern Systems
- Influence on Contemporary Islamic Governance
- Challenges in Implementing Islamic Systems Today
6- Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Islamic governance, economics, and justice systems have always held a significant place in the development of Muslim societies. These systems were designed to ensure fairness, equity, and the welfare of all members of society, both in the spiritual and material realms. Understanding the Islamic economic, judicial, and administrative systems provides valuable insights into how Islamic teachings aim to foster social justice and stability. In today’s world, where challenges such as inequality, corruption, and political instability persist, revisiting these systems can offer practical solutions and inform governance in Muslim-majority countries.
Islamic Economic System
Fundamentals of Islamic Economy
At the core of the Islamic economic system is the prohibition of Riba (interest), which is considered exploitative and unjust. The Quran explicitly condemns charging or paying interest (Al-Baqarah, 2:275-279). This principle promotes fairness and ensures that wealth circulates in a way that benefits society as a whole, rather than enriching a few at the expense of others. The system also stresses the importance of ethical trade and honesty, with clear guidelines against fraud and dishonesty (Al-Baqarah, 2:188).
Wealth Distribution in Islam
Islam emphasizes a fair distribution of wealth, ensuring that it does not concentrate in the hands of a few. The practice of Zakat (charity) is a key component, requiring Muslims to give a portion of their wealth to those in need. This helps reduce poverty and inequality, promoting social welfare. The Quran underscores this responsibility, stating: “And establish the prayer and give the Zakat” (Al-Baqarah, 2:43). Additionally, the institution of Bayt al-Mal (state treasury) ensures that public wealth is used for the benefit of the entire community, particularly for the underprivileged.
Economic Justice and Anti-Exploitation Principles
Islam’s economic system is built on justice, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly in the marketplace. Practices like hoarding, monopolies, and exploiting others are prohibited. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said, “Whoever cheats us is not one of us” (Sahih Muslim). This statement reflects Islam’s commitment to ensuring that economic practices remain ethical, transparent, and fair.
Examples from the Prophet’s (PBUH) Time
During the time of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the economy was based on trade and mutual aid. The Prophet (PBUH) established a system that allowed people to engage in commerce freely, but only within the confines of fairness and honesty. For example, the Prophet (PBUH) once stopped a merchant from cheating customers by hiding a bag of extra goods, demonstrating his commitment to ethical trade practices.
Islamic Judicial System
Independence of Judiciary
The Islamic judicial system is characterized by the independence of the judiciary from the executive. The Caliph was not permitted to interfere in judicial matters, ensuring that justice was administered impartially. The Quran stresses the importance of upholding justice, stating: “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah” (An-Nisa, 4:135). This demonstrates that administering justice is a duty to Allah, transcending any political or personal interests.
Role of Qadis (Judges)
Qadis were appointed based on their piety, knowledge, and understanding of Islamic law. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions emphasized that judges must be impartial and unbiased, prioritizing the truth over any personal or political interests. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The best of you are those who are the best in judgment” (Sunan Ibn Majah).
Principles of Justice
The principles of justice in Islam are rooted in the Quran and Sunnah. The judiciary operates on fairness, transparency, and accountability. Evidence and due process are fundamental aspects of the Islamic legal system, ensuring that justice is not only done but is seen to be done. The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized this by stating, “Judge between people with justice” (Al-Ma’idah, 5:42).
Examples from the Prophet’s Time and Early Caliphate
One of the most notable examples of justice during the Prophet’s time was the case of the woman of Makhzum, who had committed theft. Despite her noble lineage, the Prophet (PBUH) ensured that she was punished according to the law, demonstrating that justice was applied equally to all, regardless of social status. Similarly, during the reign of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), justice was paramount. He famously held himself accountable when questioned by a Bedouin woman about his policies.
Islamic Administrative System
Central Authority of the Caliph
The central authority of the Caliph was considered the highest position of leadership in the Islamic state. The Caliph was responsible for upholding Islamic law, ensuring justice, and managing the state’s affairs. However, the Caliph was also bound by the Quran and Sunnah, ensuring that their authority was not absolute but accountable to the principles of Islam.
Administrative Organization and Appointment of Governors (Walis)
Islamic governance relied on a decentralized structure with governors (Walis) appointed to oversee various regions. The appointment of Walis was based on their competence, trustworthiness, and adherence to Islamic principles. The Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) is well-known for his effective administrative reforms, which included establishing a system for appointing Walis who were accountable for the welfare of their people.
Role of Shura (Consultative Assembly)
The Shura was an important element of Islamic governance, as it allowed for collective decision-making. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) frequently consulted his companions on important matters, and the Caliphs continued this practice. The Shura ensured that decisions were made collectively, based on wisdom and consensus.
Public Welfare and Social Services
Islamic governance placed a strong emphasis on social welfare, which included providing for the poor, supporting orphans and widows, and ensuring that basic services like healthcare and education were accessible to all. The Bayt al-Mal was the state treasury responsible for funding public services and distributing aid to the needy. The Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) established a pension system for the elderly and a regular distribution of food to the poor.
Examples from the Caliphate Era
Under the leadership of the Caliphs, particularly Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), significant reforms were implemented to improve public welfare. Caliph Umar established a welfare system that included food distribution, financial assistance, and a pension plan for the elderly, ensuring that every individual had access to basic needs.
Comparison with Modern Systems
Influence on Contemporary Islamic Governance
The principles of Islamic governance have influenced contemporary Islamic systems in various ways. Modern governance in Muslim-majority countries often draws on Islamic principles, such as justice, consultation (Shura), and social welfare. However, many countries face challenges in fully implementing these systems due to political and social complexities.
Challenges in Implementing Islamic Systems Today
One of the major challenges in implementing Islamic governance today is the conflict between traditional Islamic teachings and modern political systems. Globalization, secularism, and modern legal frameworks present obstacles in integrating Islamic principles into contemporary governance. However, there is a growing movement among scholars and leaders to reintroduce these principles through Ijtehad (independent reasoning) to address the unique challenges of the modern world.
Conclusion
The Islamic economic, judicial, and administrative systems provided a model of governance that emphasized fairness, justice, and public welfare. These systems, based on the Quran and Sunnah, remain highly relevant today, offering practical solutions to contemporary challenges like inequality, corruption, and social unrest. By revisiting these foundational principles and adapting them through Ijtehad, Islamic societies can find ways to address the complexities of modern governance while staying true to their religious teachings.
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