The Purpose of Nations in the Perspective of the Quran (The Contemporary approach of an Islamic State)

The concept of nations, as outlined in the Quran, serves as a divine arrangement for human communities to coexist, interact, and fulfil their purpose on Earth. The Quran addresses the idea of nations and their purpose in various verses, emphasizing the importance of unity, justice, and the shared mission of spreading righteousness. However, it also reflects on the challenges that nations face, especially when they deviate from the path of truth.

The Quranic View on Nations

In the Quran, nations are seen as a means for people to learn from one another, to establish peace, and to collectively worship the Creator. A key verse in this regard is:

“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.” (Quran 49:13)

This verse signifies that the existence of nations, tribes, and communities is part of Allah’s divine plan. The purpose of these differences in ethnicity, culture, and language is to promote mutual understanding and cooperation, not division or superiority. The true measure of a person's worth is not based on their nation or tribe, but on their piety and righteousness.

Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes that the role of any nation is to act as a vessel for justice and the implementation of God’s laws:

“And We have certainly sent to every nation a messenger, saying, 'Worship Allah and avoid Taghut.' And among them were those whom Allah guided, and among them were those upon whom error was decreed.” (Quran 16:36)

Here, the Quran stresses that the primary purpose of any nation is to uphold the worship of Allah alone, maintain justice, and guide its people toward righteousness. The role of the Prophet and his followers was to help establish these values within their respective societies.

Why Do Nations Fall Today, Even in Muslim Majority Countries?

Despite the clear purpose of nations laid out in the Quran, many modern nations, including those with a Muslim majority, are struggling. There are several reasons for the decline or downfall of nations, and these reasons can be traced back to both spiritual and political factors:

1. Deviation from Divine Guidance: The Quran highlights that when nations turn away from the teachings of Allah and abandon their moral and ethical obligations, they face ruin. Nations that once thrived under the banner of justice and righteousness may fall when they neglect these values:

“And if the people of those cities had believed and been God-fearing, We would have opened up to them blessings from the heavens and the earth. But they gave the lie [to their prophets], and so We seized them for their deeds.” (Quran 7:96)

Many Muslim-majority nations today have lost sight of this divine guidance, focusing on materialism, corruption, and internal strife rather than upholding Islamic principles.

1. Corruption and Injustice: Another reason for the fall of nations is the spread of corruption and injustice. The Quran warns against the destruction of societies due to moral decay:

“And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed, all of them. Then, would you compel the people to become believers?” (Quran 10:99)

Nations, even those that claim to follow Islam, often struggle with governance issues, where leaders fail to implement justice, and the needs of the people are neglected. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes that corruption and oppression will lead to downfall.

1. Lack of Unity: One of the key reasons for the disintegration of Muslim-majority countries today is a lack of unity. The Quran stresses the importance of unity among the believers:

“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided...” (Quran 3:103)

The disunity and sectarianism that plague many Muslim nations today have weakened their ability to function as cohesive societies, leading to political instability and social fragmentation.

The Success of the Caliphate in the Past

The Islamic Caliphate represents a historical period where the values outlined in the Quran were implemented to varying degrees, and it serves as a model of governance for Muslims. The success of the early Caliphates (the Rashidun, Umayyad, Abbasid) was rooted in several key factors:

1. Adherence to Islamic Principles: The early Caliphates were based on the concept of justice and equity, where the rulers were accountable to the people and to Allah. The Quranic teachings on fairness, equality, and the protection of rights were integral to the governance model.
2. Unity under One Leadership: The caliphate system ensured that there was a unified leadership for the Muslim Ummah (community). This unity helped in the expansion of Islam and the flourishing of science, culture, and trade.
3. Balanced Societies: The early Islamic state implemented a system of social justice that ensured the protection of the poor, women, orphans, and minorities. This approach attracted people from all walks of life and led to the flourishing of civilizations.

“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice...” (Quran 4:58)

This verse underlines the importance of justice, which was a cornerstone of the Islamic governance model.

Why Modern Governments Cannot Match the Success of the Caliphate

The success of the early Islamic Caliphates cannot easily be replicated today due to several factors:

1. Materialism and Secularism: Modern governments, particularly in Muslim-majority nations, often prioritize material wealth and secular ideologies over spiritual and ethical values. The disconnection from the principles of Islam, which emphasize the hereafter and ethical governance, has led to societal decay.
2. Fragmentation: The fragmentation of the Muslim world into numerous nation-states has diluted the idea of a unified Ummah. Modern geopolitics, colonial legacies, and national interests have created divisions that make it difficult to recreate the unity seen in the early Caliphates.
3. Political Instability: The instability in many Muslim-majority nations, marked by corruption, dictatorships, and foreign interference, contrasts sharply with the leadership of the early Caliphates, where the leaders were seen as accountable to the people and their rule was based on justice.
4. Lack of True Islamic Leadership: In many Muslim countries today, the leadership often lacks the deep connection to Islamic principles that characterized the caliphates. True Islamic leadership, which was based on the principles of the Quran and Sunnah, is rare in today's world, where leaders often compromise these ideals for political or personal gain.

Why Do Some Muslims Selectively Follow the Quran? Understanding the Disconnect in Practice

The Quran, as the divine book of guidance for Muslims, provides comprehensive instructions for every aspect of life. It is considered the literal word of God, offering spiritual, ethical, and practical direction to those who follow it. However, in the modern world, many Muslims seem to practice the teachings of the Quran selectively. While they adhere to certain aspects, such as prayer (Salat) and the guidelines for halal (permissible) and haram (forbidden) food and consumption, they often fail to apply the Quran’s broader principles to their personal, social, political, and economic lives. This selective application of the Quran raises important questions about the nature of Islamic practice and the reasons behind this disconnection.

The Quran as a Comprehensive Way of Life

The Quran does not only address spiritual matters; it offers guidance on every aspect of human existence, including social justice, governance, economics, and personal conduct. In fact, one of the central messages of the Quran is that faith must permeate all aspects of life:

“And We have sent down to you the Book as clarification for everything…” (Quran 16:89)

This verse emphasizes that the Quran is not merely a book of religious rituals but a complete guide for living in a way that pleases Allah. Every sphere of human life, including politics, economics, social justice, and morality, is covered in the Quranic text. The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further clarify these guidelines, forming the foundation of Islamic law (Sharia) and the ideal way of life for Muslims.

The Selective Practice of the Quran

Despite the Quran’s comprehensive guidance, many Muslims today seem to pick and choose which parts of the Quran they will follow. Some focus heavily on personal rituals such as prayer, fasting, and dietary restrictions, but often overlook the broader teachings of justice, governance, and economic ethics that the Quran also emphasizes. The reasons for this selective adherence are complex and multifaceted, involving both internal and external factors.

1. Cultural and Societal Influence

One significant reason for the selective practice of the Quran is the strong influence of culture and societal norms. Many Muslims today live in secular societies where the principles of Islamic governance and economics are not implemented. As a result, the practice of Islam becomes compartmentalized: religious duties like prayer and fasting are seen as private acts of devotion, while broader issues like politics and economics are viewed as matters for the state or personal choice.

For example, in many Muslim-majority countries, political systems are often secular, with little to no implementation of Islamic law. As a result, Muslims may view their religious duties in isolation, focusing on personal worship (such as the five daily prayers) and ethical consumption (such as halal food), but they may not connect these practices to their views on governance, justice, or economic systems.

2. Lack of Knowledge or Misunderstanding

Many Muslims may not fully understand the Quran’s teachings on politics, economics, or social justice. Over the centuries, the focus in Islamic education has often been on religious rituals and personal piety, leaving other aspects of the Quran’s guidance less explored. Moreover, in many contemporary societies, the study of Islamic law and its application to modern life is not adequately addressed in schools, mosques, or religious institutions.

This lack of comprehensive education leads to a situation where many Muslims are not aware of how to apply Quranic principles to broader aspects of life. As a result, they may continue to follow the rituals of Islam but may fail to connect these practices to the societal, economic, and political challenges they face.

3. The Influence of Secularism

Secularism, the belief that religion should not influence political or governmental affairs, has become deeply entrenched in the modern world. This secular mindset often leads people, including Muslims, to compartmentalize their religious life from their worldly life. The secular worldview promotes the idea that religion is a private matter, unrelated to the broader issues of governance, economics, and social justice.

For many Muslims, adopting a secular approach to governance and economics may seem pragmatic, especially in societies where secular institutions dominate. However, this separation between religion and public life contradicts the Quranic message, which clearly asserts that Islam is a complete way of life, not just a set of private rituals.

“Say, 'Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.'” (Quran 6:162)

This verse underlines the totality of Islam as a worldview—encompassing all aspects of life. Yet, many Muslims today have adopted a more fragmented approach, focusing on personal rituals while disregarding Islamic principles in public and political life.

The Quranic Vision for Society: Politics and Economy

Islam, as laid out in the Quran, has clear guidance on social justice, economics, and governance. The Quran promotes a system where justice, equity, and the welfare of the people are paramount, and the leadership is accountable to Allah and the people. In terms of economics, the Quran forbids exploitation and unfair practices, such as usury (riba) and hoarding wealth:

“O you who have believed, do not consume each other’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].” (Quran 2:188)

Yet, in many modern Muslim-majority countries, economic systems are largely influenced by capitalist models, which often run contrary to Islamic economic principles. The Quran's prohibition of usury and emphasis on wealth distribution are rarely implemented, leading to growing economic inequality and exploitation.

Similarly, the Quran offers a vision for governance, advocating a system of justice and accountability:

“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice.” (Quran 4:58)

While many Muslims believe in the idea of a just government, secularism and the lack of political will to implement Islamic law have resulted in governance that often falls short of the Quranic ideal.

The Disconnection Between Belief and Practice

The disconnect between belief and practice is a complex issue that stems from a variety of factors:

1.     Historical Context: Throughout history, the Islamic Caliphate system served as a unifying force, integrating both religious and worldly affairs under one system of governance. However, the fragmentation of the Muslim world, colonialism, and the rise of nationalism have weakened this integrated approach.

2.     The Influence of Modernity: Modern political and economic systems often seem more practical and feasible to many Muslims, leading them to adopt secular practices in these spheres while maintaining religious devotion in personal matters.

3.     The Challenge of Reform: Implementing the full scope of Quranic teachings in today's complex world is a daunting challenge. The revival of Islamic principles in politics, economics, and social life requires not only a return to knowledge but also a collective effort to rebuild the infrastructure of an Islamic society that embraces the totality of divine guidance.

4. Cultural and Societal Influences: One of the primary reasons for not embracing the Quran holistically is the impact of culture and societal norms. In many Muslim-majority countries, religion is often seen as something personal, something that guides private behavior rather than public life. Practices like prayer, fasting, and dietary restrictions are deeply ingrained in personal routines, but the broader teachings of the Quran, especially those regarding governance, economics, and social justice, are sometimes ignored or viewed as impractical. In secular societies, even in some Muslim-majority countries, religion has become compartmentalized. Secular laws and systems often dominate public and political life, and many Muslims have adopted the belief that Islam should be confined to personal worship and ethical guidelines, leaving areas like politics and economics to be governed by modern, secular ideas.

5. Lack of Knowledge and Understanding: Another significant factor contributing to the partial application of the Quran is a lack of knowledge or understanding. Many Muslims may not be fully aware of the Quran’s teachings beyond personal rituals. Islamic education often emphasizes the performance of religious duties such as prayer and fasting, but there may be less focus on how Quranic teachings apply to broader societal issues, such as justice, economics, and governance. Moreover, traditional interpretations and teachings sometimes focus on specific areas of the Quran, neglecting its holistic vision. For example, discussions about Sharia law often focus narrowly on personal matters (like dress code or dietary laws), rather than on the complete system of justice, equity, and moral governance prescribed by the Quran.

6. Secularism and Modernity: In today’s world, secularism has a significant impact on how Muslims engage with the Quran. Secularism, which advocates the separation of religion from politics and public life, is widely prevalent in modern societies. This mindset often leads Muslims to separate their religious obligations from their day-to-day lives in the public and political spheres. Many Muslims today view religion as a private matter, something that governs personal behavior and spiritual practices but not public and political affairs. As a result, they may embrace Quranic teachings on personal rituals and ethics while neglecting the Quran’s broader vision for governance, social justice, and economic systems. This is further complicated by the fact that modern political systems are often based on secular frameworks that do not incorporate Islamic principles.

7. Historical Factors and Political Instability: Over the centuries, the Muslim world has faced political fragmentation, colonization, and external influences that have weakened the connection between Islamic principles and governance. The fall of the Islamic Caliphate system, colonialism, and the rise of nationalism and statehood have contributed to the separation of religion from politics and governance. As a result, Muslims often view the Quran’s social, political, and economic guidance as outdated or irrelevant in the context of modern nation-states. After the colonial period, many Muslim-majority countries adopted Western-style political systems, which often did not align with Islamic principles. As a result, Muslims in these countries may feel disconnected from the comprehensive teachings of the Quran, focusing instead on the aspects of religion that align with secular norms, such as personal worship and ethical consumption.

8. Fear of Change and Radicalism: Some Muslims may also hesitate to embrace the Quran holistically due to fear of radicalism or extremism. The call to apply all aspects of the Quran, especially in the realms of governance and social justice, can sometimes be associated with political movements that challenge the status quo. In some cases, this can lead to fear or reluctance to engage with the Quran’s broader guidance, especially when it appears to conflict with current political realities.

This fear of radicalism often leads to a more conservative approach, where Muslims stick to the “safe” practices of personal worship, such as praying and fasting, while avoiding discussions about how Islam should influence governance, economics, or social reform. This is partly due to the complex and politically charged nature of applying Islamic teachings in today’s world.

9. Materialism and Globalization: In today’s globalized, materialistic world, Muslims are often influenced by Western values and systems that prioritize individualism, consumerism, and secularism. These values can undermine the holistic approach to life that Islam promotes. As a result, many Muslims may adopt Islamic teachings that align with these modern values—such as the ethics of halal food and personal morality—while disregarding Quranic principles that challenge the materialistic or secular aspects of modern life, such as the emphasis on social justice, fair economic practices, and equitable governance.

The rise of consumer culture and economic systems that prioritize profit over ethics also makes it difficult for Muslims to apply the Quran’s teachings on economics and justice. Many Muslim-majority countries have adopted capitalist or neoliberal economic systems that run counter to the Quranic teachings on wealth distribution, fairness, and the prohibition of usury (riba).

10. Inconsistent Application of Sharia: Sharia, often understood as Islamic law, includes a comprehensive system that addresses not only personal religious practices but also social, political, and economic matters. However, in many Muslim-majority countries, Sharia is applied in a fragmented or selective manner. Some aspects of Sharia, such as family law or dietary regulations, are implemented, but the broader concepts of justice, fairness, and governance may be ignored. In many cases, the political climate or state laws prevent the full implementation of Sharia, and Muslims may simply adapt to the secular norms in their societies. This leads to a situation where the Quran’s teachings are followed in isolation, without a broader application in all aspects of life.

11. Lack of Practical Solutions and Leadership: Another reason why many Muslims fail to take the Quran holistically is the lack of practical solutions and leadership in applying its teachings to modern life. There is a significant gap between the theoretical knowledge of Islam and its practical application in contemporary governance, economics, and social systems. Many Muslims are unsure of how to translate Quranic principles into real-world solutions that address modern challenges. Additionally, there is a lack of strong leadership and scholarship that can guide Muslims in integrating the Quran’s teachings into all aspects of life. The revival of Islamic thought in a way that addresses modern issues, while remaining true to the Quran’s core message, is a challenge that many communities face.

The Three Factors, The purpose of a Nation, The selective practice of Quran, The Secularization

In the Quranic view, nations are created to foster cooperation, righteousness, and justice. However, the downfall of many nations, even those with Muslim majorities, can be attributed to a deviation from the divine guidance of the Quran, corruption, injustice, and disunity. The early Islamic Caliphates thrived because they adhered to these principles, leading to a society of justice, unity, and prosperity. To replicate the success of the past, Muslim nations must return to the core values of Islam, emphasizing unity, justice, and ethical leadership, with a deep commitment to the divine principles outlined in the Quran. Only then can they hope to rebuild a society that truly reflects the purpose and vision Allah intended for nations.

The selective practice of the Quran among some Muslims today is a reflection of both external challenges and internal struggles within the Muslim community. The reasons for this selective adherence range from cultural influences and lack of knowledge to the dominance of secular ideologies and the complexities of modern governance. While many Muslims continue to adhere to personal rituals and ethical consumption, the broader teachings of the Quran on politics, economics, and social justice are often ignored or misunderstood. To address this disconnection, Muslims must rediscover the holistic nature of Islam and strive to apply its teachings to all areas of life, creating a society that reflects the justice, equality, and morality that the Quran calls for. Only then can the true spirit of Islam be fully realized in the modern world.

The reason why many Muslims do not take the Quran holistically is a complex combination of cultural, societal, historical, and political factors. The secularization of modern societies, the impact of colonialism, a lack of education, and the separation of religion from politics all contribute to this selective application of Quranic teachings. To reconnect with the Quran’s holistic vision, Muslims must work towards understanding and applying its guidance in every aspect of life, from personal worship to governance and economics. This requires not only a revival of Islamic scholarship but also a commitment to integrating Quranic values into all spheres of society, creating a model of life that is fully aligned with the teachings of Islam.