PMS 2017 Solved Islamiat Past Papers | Administrative, Judicial, and Welfare Works of the Pious Caliphs
The following question of PMS Islamiat 2017 is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. 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 subjects for years. 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
The question breakdown asks to explore the administrative, judicial, and welfare contributions of the Pious Caliphs, focusing on their governance strategies. It also seeks to analyze how these historical practices can be applied or serve as lessons for modern governance systems. This includes examining how the Caliphate’s approach to justice, social welfare, and law enforcement remains relevant today.
Outline
1- Introduction
2- Administrative Works of the Pious Caliphs
- Central authority and leadership of the Caliph
- Organization of provinces and appointment of governors (Walis)
- Role of the Shura (consultative body)
- Management of state affairs and public service
- Effective implementation of law and order
3- Judicial Works of the Pious Caliphs
- Independence of the judiciary from the executive
- Appointment of Qadis (judges) based on merit and piety
- Administration of justice according to the Quran and Sunnah
- Accessibility of justice to all, including the Caliph
- The principle of fairness, transparency, and evidence in judicial decisions
4- Welfare Works of the Pious Caliphs
- Establishment of the Bayt al-Mal (state treasury)
- Provision of social services: education, healthcare, and financial aid
- Development of infrastructure: roads, bridges, and public buildings
- Charitable activities, including support for orphans, widows, and the poor
- Focus on social justice and economic equality
5-Comparison with Modern Governance
- Influence of the Caliphate’s administrative, judicial, and welfare systems on contemporary governance models
- Relevance of the Caliphate’s principles for today’s global challenges
6-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
The Pious Caliphate, specifically during the time of the first four caliphs, Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali, serves as a remarkable example of governance grounded in Islamic principles. Their administrative, judicial, and welfare practices not only ensured the prosperity of the early Islamic state but also laid down a foundational governance model that many modern systems still draw inspiration from. The comprehensive nature of their work in statecraft, justice, and social welfare highlighted the integration of religious values into governance, which remains relevant in the contemporary world.
Administrative Works of the Pious Caliphs
Central Authority and Leadership of the Caliph
The central authority in the Pious Caliphate was vested in the Caliph, who was considered both a political leader and a spiritual guide for the Muslim community. Under the leadership of the Caliph, particularly Umar ibn al-Khattab, the administration expanded and ensured the application of justice and equity. The Caliphate emphasized the responsibility of the leader to rule with fairness, uphold justice, and follow the principles of Islam. As Umar said, “The best of rulers is one who listens to the concerns of his people.” This model set the foundation for accountable leadership in governance.
Organization of Provinces and Appointment of Governors (Walis)
The Pious Caliphs were skilled at organizing the growing Islamic state by appointing governors (walis) to oversee different provinces. These governors were tasked with maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and ensuring the welfare of the people. For example, Umar appointed Abu Musa al-Ash’ari as the governor of Kufa and ordered him to rule with justice and fairness, ensuring that no person, regardless of their social standing, was treated unjustly. The decentralized administration allowed for efficient governance in vast territories, ensuring that the Caliphate remained unified.
Role of the Shura (Consultative Body)
The Shura was an essential aspect of the Pious Caliphate’s administrative system. It was a consultative body that advised the Caliph on important matters of governance. The Shura was not only composed of scholars and respected individuals, but it was also a way to ensure that decisions were made through consensus, reflecting Islamic values of consultation (Shura) and collective responsibility. For instance, the selection of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab was done by the Shura, highlighting the democratic process within the Islamic system, where public consultation and involvement in leadership were encouraged.
Management of State Affairs and Public Service
The Pious Caliphs established robust systems for managing state affairs and providing public services. A notable achievement was the creation of a comprehensive administrative structure that ensured services such as healthcare, education, and public infrastructure were accessible to all. Under Umar’s leadership, the first welfare programs were established, such as state-funded stipends for the elderly and the poor. This commitment to serving the people reflects the Islamic principle that the welfare of the citizens should always be a priority.
Effective Implementation of Law and Order
The Pious Caliphate placed great emphasis on maintaining law and order to ensure societal stability. Under Umar’s leadership, strict laws were enforced to maintain justice, including the principle that no one was above the law, not even the Caliph himself. An example of this is the case where Umar once reprimanded his son for taking advantage of his position, illustrating the accountability of leaders in the early Islamic state.
Judicial Works of the Pious Caliphs
Independence of the Judiciary from the Executive
One of the key elements of the judicial system under the Pious Caliphs was the independence of the judiciary. The Caliph did not interfere with the judicial process, ensuring that judges (Qadis) were free to make decisions based on Islamic law (Sharia). The independence of the judiciary is epitomized in the way Umar ibn al-Khattab, as Caliph, allowed his judges to make rulings without fear of political or personal influence, reinforcing the importance of impartial justice in Islamic governance.
Appointment of Qadis (Judges) Based on Merit and Piety
Judges (Qadis) were appointed based on their piety, knowledge of the Quran and Sunnah, and their ability to apply Islamic law fairly and justly. An example of this is the appointment of Abu Huraira as a judge. The Pious Caliphs believed that a judge’s primary qualification should be their moral character and adherence to Islamic principles. Umar once said, “A Qadi should never be appointed except one who has integrity, wisdom, and fear of Allah.”
Administration of Justice According to the Quran and Sunnah
The judicial system of the Pious Caliphate was based on the Quran and Sunnah, ensuring that justice was delivered in accordance with divine guidelines. The decisions of the Qadis were often cited from the Quran and Hadith, ensuring that the rule of law was rooted in Islamic teachings. A famous instance of this was when the Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab ruled that the blood money for a Christian was the same as that for a Muslim, reinforcing the concept of equality before the law.
Accessibility of Justice to All, Including the Caliph
Under the Pious Caliphate, justice was not restricted by social class, status, or even the rank of the ruler. An example of this is the famous incident where Umar ibn al-Khattab, as the Caliph, appeared in front of a judge to answer a case involving his personal conduct. The Caliph was not above the law, symbolizing that everyone, regardless of their position, was subject to justice.
The Principle of Fairness, Transparency, and Evidence in Judicial Decisions
The Pious Caliphs prioritized fairness, transparency, and evidence in the judicial process. For example, Umar ibn al-Khattab once declared that no one should be convicted without clear evidence, embodying the Islamic principle that justice must be based on facts and fairness. This transparent approach fostered trust in the legal system and upheld the dignity of the individuals.
Welfare Works of the Pious Caliphs
Establishment of the Bayt al-Mal (State Treasury)
The Bayt al-Mal, or state treasury, was one of the most significant institutions under the Pious Caliphs. It managed the state’s finances, including tax collection, the distribution of zakat (charity), and the provision of welfare services. Under Umar’s leadership, the Bayt al-Mal was expanded to meet the growing needs of the Islamic state, ensuring that resources were allocated equitably to the public.
Provision of Social Services: Education, Healthcare, and Financial Aid
The Pious Caliphs made substantial efforts to provide social services, including education, healthcare, and financial aid. Under Umar, schools were established for the education of both boys and girls, and hospitals were built to ensure access to healthcare. Additionally, stipends were given to the poor, orphans, and widows, reflecting the Islamic emphasis on social welfare and charity.
Development of Infrastructure: Roads, Bridges, and Public Buildings
The Pious Caliphs understood the importance of infrastructure for a thriving society. They initiated extensive infrastructure projects, including the construction of roads, bridges, and public buildings, to facilitate trade, travel, and communication. This is exemplified by the development of roads and caravanserais during Umar’s caliphate, which facilitated commerce and ensured safety for travellers.
Charitable Activities, Including Support for Orphans, Widows, and the Poor
The Caliphs placed a strong emphasis on charity and social justice. During the reign of Umar ibn al-Khattab, he established the first state-funded welfare system for the poor, orphans, and widows. Umar’s famous saying, “If a dog is hungry, it is my responsibility,” highlights his dedication to social welfare and justice for the marginalized members of society.
Focus on Social Justice and Economic Equality
The welfare programs initiated by the Pious Caliphs were designed to address social justice and economic inequality. Under Uthman ibn Affan, the state treasury was used to provide financial support to those in need, including the provision of food during times of famine. The welfare state created by the Caliphs is an example of how Islamic governance emphasises fairness and the equitable distribution of resources.
Comparison with Modern Governance
Influence of the Caliphate’s Administrative, Judicial, and Welfare Systems on Contemporary Governance Models
The administrative, judicial, and welfare systems of the Pious Caliphs continue to influence modern governance models, especially in Muslim-majority countries. The concepts of consultation (Shura), social welfare, and judicial independence found in the early Caliphate have been adapted by modern democratic states. For instance, the ideas of judicial independence and the rule of law, which were central to the Pious Caliphate, remain foundational principles in contemporary legal systems around the world.
Relevance of the Caliphate’s Principles for Today’s Global Challenges
The principles of justice, equality, and social welfare that the Pious Caliphs implemented continue to offer valuable lessons for addressing today’s global challenges. The focus on ethical governance, poverty alleviation, and the provision of social services in the Caliphate serves as a model for tackling modern issues such as inequality, poverty, and corruption. In a world where these problems persist, the Caliphate’s holistic approach to governance remains relevant.
Conclusion
The Pious Caliphs laid down a governance model that was not only rooted in Islamic principles but also ensured justice, equality, and the welfare of all citizens. Their administrative, judicial, and welfare works continue to be a source of inspiration for modern-day governance systems, particularly in Muslim-majority societies. The lessons learned from the Pious Caliphate, particularly the emphasis on consultation, fairness, and accountability, offer valuable insights for the world today.
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