Q # 07: what is concept of sovereignty in Islam?

To what extent
this concept is applied in the present system.
1) Introduction
 ALLAH is the creator of everything exist on the earth and heaven, there is not GOD but ALLAH.
Concept of Sovereignty in Islam different from western concept of sovereignty. Islamic concept
of sovereignty has been derived from Quran and Sunnah. Sovereignty only belongs to ALLAH
and ALLAH alone. All the things are under the authority of ALLAH and ALLAH has sent human
being on earth as his kahlifa who exercise the powers within the limits prescribed by ALLAH

2) Literal meaning
 The word sovereignty has been derived from Latin Word “Superanus” which means SUPERMACY
OF ONE OVER THE OTHERS

3) Definition of sovereignty
 All things are under ALLAH’s control and nothing happens without his permission and directions
as ALLAH is sovereign over the world

4) Islamic concept of Sovereignty

 Islam teaches us that all Supreme powers belongs to ALLAH and ALLAH alone and there is no
one who can compete ALLAH against his sovereignty

 Quran Says:
“TO ALLAH BELONGS THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE HEAVENS AND EARTH”
“HE WHO GIVES LIFE AND DEATH AND HE HAS POWER OVER ALL THE THING”

5) Attributes of ALLAH’S Sovereignty

Sovereignty of ALLAH has the following attributes

1. Absolute as Quran Says:

 ALLAH is the creator of all things and he is one the Almighty.(AL Quran)

2. Indivisible (Naa Kaablay Taqseem)

 Sovereignty of ALLAH is not indivisible because there is not God but ALLAH

3. Inalienable (Naa kablay Intiqaal)

 Sovereignty of ALLAH is inalienable because it Can’t give away to anyone and can’t be shared
with anyone
 4. Unlimited
 As ALLAH is sovereign and he has unlimited powers over the others in the world and whole
command is with ALLAH in all things

5. Universal
 ALLAH’S Sovereignty is Universal because It covers the every particle of the heavens and on
the earth

6. Comprehensive
 Sovereignty of ALLAH is including everything in the world and no one can challenge to his
powers in the whole world

7. Eternal (Abdi)
 Sovereignty of ALLAH is eternal because ALLAH sovereignty is from beginning of time to till
end of time. It is permanent and everlasting sovereignty

8. Original
 ALLAH’s Sovereignty is not derived from superior to him. As Quran says that ALLAH is creator
of all things and he is guardian over all things(Al Quran)

6) Attributive name of ALLAH’S Sovereignty

ALLAH’S Sovereignty is shows from his attributive names. Some of are as under:

 AL Khaliq The Creator

 AL Ahad Only One
 Al Wahab The Grantor
 AL Hakam The Judge

7) Vicegerency (Khilafat) of man

 ALLAH is lord of Heavens and earth and ALLAH delegates powers to men for administration of
justice and they exercise their authority with the limitations by ALLAH
 Man is a khalifa of ALLAH ALMIGHTY on the earth who is responsible for administration of
the earth according to the will of ALLAH

 Quran Says:
“AND WHEN THE LORD SAID TO ANGELS, LO! (SEE) I AM ABOUT TO PLACE A
KHALIFA IN THE EARTH”
8) Concept of Sovereignty and Amir in Pakistan
Concept of sovereignty of recognized in 1973 constitution of Pakistan

 Sovereignty over the entire universe belongs to ALLAH alone But Authorized person
will exercise their powers for administration of justice within the limits prescribed by
ALLAH Almighty

9) Concept of Sovereignty in West

 Sovereignty is modern concept of the west. And it has been born by modern state. At the
first time tt was presented by Jean Bodin in 1576 who declares sovereignty is not power to
make law it is above to law

 Blackstone Says
“Sovereignty is the supreme will of the state”

 Analysis,
o Western concept is imperfect because there are certain limitations on it and western
refers sovereignty to state .It means there can be as many sovereigns as states in the
world
o As compare to Islamic concept it is more realistic and logical that Sovereignty of
ALLAH is unlimited and covers the whole universe , heavens and earth

10) Difference between Islamic Concept of Sovereignty and

Western Concept of Sovereignty
Following are the differences.

1. As to Authority
1) In Islam, sovereignty of entire universe belongs to God
2) In Western concept, sovereignty belongs to people

2. As to kinds of Sovereignty
1) In Islam, there are no kinds of Sovereignty
2) In Western concept, Sovereignty has different kinds

3. As to State
1) In Islam, Sovereignty is not subject to State
2) In Western concept, there must be state for sovereignty
 4. As to Scope
1) Islamic concept of sovereignty has wider scope
2) Western concept of sovereignty has less scope

5. As to Perfection
1) Islamic concept of sovereignty is perfect in all aspects
2) Western concept of sovereignty is imperfect

6. As to Nature
1) Islamic concept is permanent nature
2) Western concept is temporary nature

11) Conclusion
 Islamic theory is completely different from west theory. Islamic theory derived from
Quran and Sunnah which are basic sources. Islam teaches sovereignty belongs to
ALLAH alone. No human being can be lord of another human being