Islamic system - Is it an obligation or something nice ?

Many people are now calling for the re-establishment of Islamic rule, but when asked for reasons, they reply that the Islamic system (i.e khilafah) would improve the society, or that the Muslims would be stronger under the unification of a single leadership, or that the Muslims would have larger investments when the Muslim Lands are all opened as one market. In many instances, the driving force behind the movement for Khilafah involves some sort of benefit or interest. Resolving this issue necessitates an answer to an even more fundamental question: Is benefit or interest a valid criterion to evaluate any issue or action in Islam? Whether the action implies praying, fasting, engaging in transactions, or working for the Khilafa, Islam has given the Muslims only one standard to evaluate issues -- Halal and Haram. Allah (swt) states in the Qur'an:

''Say (O Muhammed): 'If you really love Allah then follow me, and Allah will love you and forgive your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.' Say: 'Obey Allah and the Messenger.' But if they turn away, then Allah does not like the disbelievers.'' [ 3:31-32]

''...And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger will be admitted to Gardens under which rivers flow, to abide therein, and that will be the great success. And whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger and transgresses His limits, He will cast him into the Fire, to abide therein; and he shall have a disgraceful torment.'' [ 4:13-14]

''O you who believe! Obey Allah and the Messenger and those of you who are in authority. If you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day.'' [ 4:59]

The benefit or harm is not a legitimate criterion for determining the validity of the Islamic rules. Nowhere does Allah or the Messenger order the Muslims to follow what they feel will bring them benefit or what their desires demand. Islam explicitly forbids the Muslims to submit to their whims and desires and ridicules those who do so:

''Have you seen him who has taken as his Ilah (god) his own desire? Would you then be a Wakil (a protecting guide) over him? Or do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are only like cattle; nay, they are even farther astray from the Path.'' [ 25:43-44]

''Then We have put you (O Muhammed) on a plain way of (Our) Commandment. So follow you that, and follow not the desires of those who know not.'' [ 45:18]

''Have you seen him who takes his own lust as his Ilah (god), and Allah knowing (him as such), left him astray, and sealed his hearing and his heart, and put a cover on his sight?'' [ 45:23]

The implementation of Islam is an obligation that is so clearly established by the Qur'an and the Sunnah that no Muslim can deny. Allah (swt) states in the Qur'an:
''...And whosoever does not rule by what Allah has revealed, they are the Fasiqun (the Rebellious)'' [5:47]

''Have you seen those who claim that they believe in that which was revealed to you, and that which was revealed before you, and they wish to resort to the ruling of the Taghut while they have been ordered to reject them. But Satan wishes to lead them far astray.'' [ 4:60]

''And so rule between them by what Allah has revealed and follow not their vain desires...'' [ 5:49]

A Muslim, as a believer in Allah (swt) and His Messenger (saw), must submit to all of the Islamic rules and not pass judgment on them or select them based upon his own benefit or desires. It is true that the implementation of Islam will provide the correct solution for all of humanity's problems and will provide justice, tranquillity, and mercy for all human beings. It is also true that the Khilafah will make the Muslim Ummah a superpower and will provide protection of Muslim lands and Muslim blood throughout the world. But the Muslims should not make the consequences of fulfilling their obligations as the motive behind performing them. The motivation to reestablish the Khilafah is that the Muslims are obliged to worship Allah (swt) by obeying His orders, and Allah (swt) has ordered the Muslim Ummah to implement the Shariah by establishing the Khilafah,
regardless of whatever benefit or harm such obligations entail.

Comments

This is also the case with local political scenario. The only motive for participating in the so-called 'reform work' is linked to perceived benefits such as free education and cheaper electricity. Perhaps, if these things are set right, then people may be willing to be ruled by kufr

Related

Maslaha(benefit) is dictated by the Shariah

Prioritising our obligations

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