Elizabeth I of England, a Jihad? The reason of this post is to share my thoughts on what it is to be a ruler in the 21st century.

I have been very impressed with the story of this English Queen, Elizabeth Tudor. To understand the story of this queen it is necessary that you go ahead and read about her life and accession to the throne of England I encourage you to go to this link (of course loads of info can be found about her across the web) http://www.tudorplace.com.ar/aboutElizabeth.htm This English queen hadnt had it easy. She had to fight for legitimacy therefore to prove herself fit to rule England. As a woman the task was even harderbut either way she had to fulfil her duty to her people. In between two plots to rip her off of her rights she had to stand firm and ready to face the consequences at all cost. At the beginning of her reign England was disfigured with religious wars between Catholics and protestants, then came her genius to implement a common prayer book with the aim to have the prostantism as the official religion but also to allow other faiths to flourish without any kind of persecution. Other crowned heads of Europe as well as the Vatican could not allow their faiths to lose the upper hand and Elizabeth with her innovative ideas was a direct threat to that. When her sister Mary I ( a catholic) was dying, Elizabeth was next in line but numerous attempts to convince the dying queen to rule out Elizabeth from accessing the throne but in vain. The dying queen was protective and loving to her sister despite the hatred she had for her and her religion. Now came the time to reign supreme over England. I have had a post about friendship in Islam and this post relates in some ways on how Elizabeth was able to rule supreme. She was able to change all her advisors as well as restrict her circle of friends. The famously known Walsingham was her friend and advisor in state affairs and hes done well in protecting the queens interests.
... What a family is without a steward, a ship without a pilot, a flock without a shepherd, a body without a head, the same, I think, is a kingdom without the health and safety of a good monarch.
To her brother, King Edward, c.1550. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 1.

Even Elizabeth acknowledge God as the supreme leader of this world and even a royal could not be equal.
There is one thing higher than Royalty: and that is religion, which causes us to leave the world, and seek God.
To her ladies-in-waiting. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 9.

Now this quote about capital punishment is in a way similar to the concept adopted in Islam. Unfortunately in many muslim countries such punishments is out of control from the states and is instead carried out by individual. One of the reason is that many of those rulers across the Islamic World are too busy to care about the worries and pain of their own people but care only to matters affecting themselves and their Families. However in Islam the capital punishments such as beheadings and stoning for example should be carried out only after proper trials and by the state.
Monarchs ought to put to death the authors and instigators of war, as their sworn enemies and as dangers to their states.
To the Fenelon, the French Ambassador. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 13.

The concept of this quotes is rather interesting cause it also sets out the rule for why a State should engage in war against another State. You will find this some of this rules also in my post in definition of Jihad since there are many all could not be posted so I just selected a summary of it from the BBC website which was simple and more accurate.

The concept of a clear conscious (which I will post about it later to relate this post to Islam ) to rule supreme but not only a State but in your personal life is of great importance. To decline it further, if your conscious is clear and you have done good deeds more than bad ones, and you have shown mercy and compassion to others, you are likely to find great things and good people come and stick to you like flies on a carcass. Also your confidence to achieve things will grow. The one that have fear of his Lord and conduct him/herself in accordance to the wishes of God will succeed at all times and will not fear any calamities.
A clear and innocent conscience fears nothing.
To the Spanish Ambassador. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 11.

A strength to harm is perilous in the hand of an ambitious head.

To Sir Henry Sidney. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 13.

Now this is even more interesting. Elizabeth turn to God only when she was arrested by her sister Mary I. Surprisingly no mention of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) at this very moment. In this quote she associates no partner to God. I come to ask myself why a Christian monarch would say this. Would Elizabeth have any knowledge of Islam in her time? Here lands as true a subject, being prisoner, as ever landed at these stairs. Before Thee, O God, I speak it, having none other friend but Thee alone.
(Said to have been spoken by Elizabeth when she arrived at the Tower of London as a prisoner)

Which rulers or princes nowadays are dedicating themselves entirely to their people. Being a prince or ruler places oneself as the guardian of their state therefore guardian of the welfare of their

people. This implies a sacrifice since the task is very delicate and Allah (SWT) has warned worldly rulers of any deviations from their vows and responsibilities. Much of these deviations are seen across the Islamic world e.g. Syria, Yemen, etc Knowing that any ruler failing to comply will provoke the rage of its people and will make him/herself unfit to rule. The most famous example to will serve this post well is the execution of the King of France, Louis XVI (1793) and of his wife Marie-Antoinette. Now France is a disguised Republic with much of the monarchic protocols in the background in my opinion. This quote of Elizabeth stresses out her commitment to her people (Though such radical outcome is not recommended in Islam but in her case and for her status I guess it was necessary) I have already joined myself in marriage to a husband, namely the kingdom of England.
(Elizabeth to Parliament)

Two other quotes that may be relevant to the point made above

Was I not born in this realm? Were my parents born in any foreign country? Is there any cause I should alienate myself from being careful over this country? Is not my kingdom here?
(Elizabeth to Parliament)

We princes are set as it were upon stages in the sight and view of the world.

Later I will post about the obligations of rulers in Islam and their associated punishments if they fail to comply.

The issue of religion is greater today than it has been in the past. One must have the intentions and desire to create peace and harmony for its people. I have no desire to make windows into mens souls
(Again a reference to the Catholic/Protestant issue)

Elizabeth and her views about past errors.

The past cannot be cured.
To the Spanish Ambassador. Chamberlin, The Sayings of Queen Elizabeth (1923), ch. 11.

Many of us do not learn from our mistakes and we keep on going into the same vice. On the other hand many of us do not wish to move on with our lives and we keep on leaving in the past which creates much more discomfort, rage, jealousy, grudges, resentment, etc. well everything that is negative and alters our dealings with oneself and others.

But if we learn sometimes to leave the past to the past and strip out the positivity from it, it would make our lives way much easier. If we dont, then submit ourselves to mental illnesses and darkened our souls. (Later, I will post about the mental illnesses across the Islamic world) In regards to learning from them we should also consider the elders and their past and present Jihad as well, but sometimes we have to be cautious about that too because some elders still have not learned from the past and are the worst of examples. The question is when this happens then to who shall we turn to? Young heads take example of the ancient.
(Elizabeth in a message to Parliament)

Anger makes dull men witty, but it keeps them poor.

(Elizabeth to Sir Edward Dyer)

The ruler, the people and the state A true ruler or Prince as previously mentioned is the one that is willing to sacrifice its desires and person to the wellbeing of its people. I will be as good unto ye as ever a Queen was unto her people. No will in me can lack, neither do I trust shall there lack any power. And persuade yourselves that for the safety and quietness of you all I will not spare if need be to spend my blood.
(Elizabeth to the Lord Mayor and people of London on the eve of her Coronation)

Elizabeth though a woman did a great job here. She particularly reflected her legitimacy to rule the State of England with convinction and humbleness when Philip of Spain decided to wage a religious war against her state and person. My mortal foe can wish me no greater loss than England's hate. Neither should death be less welcome unto me than such a mishap betide me. Those who touch the sceptres of princes deserve no pity. My mind was never to invade my neighbours. All my possessions for a moment of time
(Surprisingly, this famous quote is apocryphal)

The ruler or prince should also be cautious when carrying a capital punishment, waging war or even ruling the state. Restricting the amount of advisors is one way to do so since too many can cause great confusions and deep resentment amongst one another. In todays political climate it is the contrary where rulers are surrounding themselves with numerous advisors, crowned heads are hiding behind their government for not taking the blame for anything and assure the survival of their monarchy. The English monarch of today Elizabeth II is one example but Juan Carlos of Spain, Beatrix of the Netherlands to name a few are no exception to the rule. No need to discuss the results here, everyone with common senses can have a clue as to where this has led us.

I do consider a multitude doth make rather discord and confusion than good counsel.
(Elizabeth on her decision to keep the Privy Council small)

Also he/she should take the time in thinking, reflecting on other alternatives before resorting to war or reaching a decision since the decision of a ruler can affect greatly the course of things and have devastating results for its people therefore cause even more turmoil and desolation within the State. Having such power in ones hand can rapidly be too heavy to bear and deviation will flourish.

You lawyers are so nice and precise in shifting and scanning every word and letter that many times you stand more upon form than matter, upon syllables than the sense of the law.
(Elizabeth to lawyers urging her to execute the Queen of Scots)

A strength to harm is perilous in the hand of an ambitious head.

(Elizabeth in a letter to Henry Sidney, 1565)

I will never be by violence constrained to do anything. It is monstrous that the feet should direct the head.
(Elizabeth to Parliament)

Would to God each had his own and were at peace.

(Elizabeth on European power struggles and war)

When the Holy War calls, it calls and a ruler or prince should be ready at all times to face its enemy. He/ She should be prepared to fight up to the last breath and wounds this no matter the social status, the age, etc.

I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king.
(Tilbury speech, 1588. See section on The Spanish Armada)

From mine enemy let me defend myself; from a pretensed friend, good lord deliver me.

A ruler or prince should also be ready to be accountable to his/ her people at all times. We all would like to hear from our present rulers that they are sorry for the distress they caused us and they are ready to make amends. I guess not in this century.

If I should say the sweetest speech with the eloquentest tongue that ever was in man, I were not able to express that restless care which I have ever bent to govern for the greatest wealth.
(Elizabeth to Parliament, 1576)

No prince herein, I confess, can be silver tied or faster bound than I am with the link of your good will.
(Elizabeth to Parliament)

A ruler or prince should also acknowledge their limited powers Your judgement I condemn not, neither do I mistake your reasons, but pray you to accept my thankfulness, excuse my doubtfulness, and take in good part my answer, answerless.
(Elizabeth to Parliamentary Delegation again in regards to the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots)

As well as acknowledge death at all times which is interesting here because Muslims should be prepared to die at any time. Here, Elizabeth acknowledged that she is mortal. There again it is surprising for this period of time because most crowned heads of Europe always believed they were immortals therefore I questioned myself about Elizabeth and her encounter with Islam. I know I am but mortal and so therewhilst prepare myself for death, whensoever it shall please God to send it.
(Elizabeth to Parliament in response to the succession issue)

What better ruler/prince than the one that has experienced hardships whilst a commoner even though the privileges of royalty are present. Unfortunately, our rulers today have not learnt a thing from past experiences. E.g. Gaddaffi of Lybia, Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen, King Abdullah of Jordan, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, etc. I have had good experience and trial of this world...I know what it is to be a subject, what to be a sovereign, what to have good neighbours, and sometimes meet evil willers. I have found treason in trust, seen great benefits little regarded.
(Elizabeth's speech to Parliamentary Delegation, 1586)

I know well how you could be queen one day and the other day on the scaffold
(Elizabeth to Walsingham in regards to Mary Queen of Scots execution)

Elizabeth also acknowleged that the one who rules cannot do it without the help of God and whoever does so will inevitably fail its responsibilities and lose his/her legitimacy to rule. He that will forget God, will also forget his benefactors.
(Elizabeth to William Lambarde, 1601)

The point of this post was to discuss the great gap of todays rulers the powerful, the immortals if they are such disbelief then I am not surprised that many of those States are sure to collapse and bring more pain and sorrow to their people. Nowadays rulers fight for power over and over again

and are never content of the one they have. They want to be Gods ruling supreme over the world. They impose their way of life on others without even thinking of the consequences. They have forgotten that their people will overpower them InshAllah. More importantly, They have forgotten that nothing last forever and all must come to an end at a point of time. When Elizabeth Tudor was attacked by Philip of Spain, She knew that the powers of the two nations were unequal and Philip of Spain knew it too but still decided to carry on with his Spanish Armada one of the greatest war fleet of Europe at the time. Despite all this he still failed and ruined his country. All of this to show us that Allah is with the just and fair and not with the oppressors. The goal of the ruling class nowadays is, in my opinion to create a worldly disorder to their advantage but nothing for the people. No ruler should ever see themselves as divine cause they will drive themselves and their people to a the greatest desilusion with devastating consequences. When I see these powerful countries engaging themselves into indirect colonisation and slavery, I to you, I am worried. Elizabeth Tudor, to me, is an example of a true ruler and that even though she was not a Muslim.

I am ending this post with Elizabeth I Golden Speech

GOLDEN SPEECH 1601 To be a King and wear a crown is a thing more pleasant to them that see it, than it is pleasant to them that bear it. I were content to hear matters argued and debated pro and contra as all princes must that will understand what is right, yet I look ever as it were upon a plain tablet wherein is written neither partiality or prejudice. There is no jewel, be it of never so rich a price, which I set before this jewel; I mean your love. Though God hath raised me high, yet this I account the glory of my reign, that I have reigned with your loves. I have ever used to set the last Judgement Day before mine eyes, and so to rule as I shall be judged to answer before a higher judge. You may have many a wiser prince sitting in this seat, but you never have had, or shall have, any who loves you better. It is not my desire to live or to reign longer than my life and reign shall be for your good.

On this Golden Speech, I urge all my readers to reflect carefully on these words and to make a decision accordingly to help secure a better place for us all and for the future of our children. Sources: http://www.luminarium.org/renlit/elizaquotes.htm http://www.elizabethi.org/uk/quotes/

I found these movies about Elizabeth tudor which can be found on www.youtube.com or any other free movie hosting website. They might not be accurate but in my opinion I found theyre depicting the life of this queen fairly well. 1) Elizabeth (1998) (Cate Blanchett) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJuuG-8PKno 2) Elizabeth the Golden Age (Cate Blanchett) 3) The Tudors 4) The Other Boleyn Girl (Natalie Portman, Scarlett Joahnsson)