public administration / principles of Islamic administration/ CSS/ PMS SHORT NOTES

 

What is meant by public administration? Discuss important principles of Islamic administration.

Outline

1.     Introduction

2.     Definition and philosophy of public administration

3.     Principles of public administration in Islam

4.     Manifestation of public administration according to different Prophets, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and pious caliphs – A critical analysis

5.     Conclusion

Introduction: Public administration and Islam

                   Islam is a very practical religion. It not only guides individuals but has also laid the principles of administering the society. In the context of public administration in Islam, it is carried out on the principle of sovereignty of Allah, upholding the order of Allah, justice, transparency, consultation, equality, and many others. Such principles have been derived from the administrative methods of previous prophets, the administration of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), and the eras of pious caliphs.

Definitions and philosophy of Public administration

“The process of making policies to govern the society through selecting people that would uphold the agreed principles.”

                                                                    (Eldo Dwight)

 

 

1.     Islamic definition:

“The process of selecting people to implement the rules of sharia to maintain social order as enshrined in the Islamic law.”

              (Islam and administrative Ettois by Chandio and AR Brohi)

 

2.     Philosophy of public administration in Islam:

1.     Organization.

2.     Logical reasoning.

3.     Conclusion.

4.     Accountability.

5.     Upright leadership.

Principles of Public Administration according to Quran and Sunnah

1.     Sovereignty of Allah:

Like all the Islamic systems, the system of public administration also resolves around the sovereignty of Allah.

           Illustration:

          “Everything between heaven and earth belongs to Allah.”

                                                                                (Al Quran)

2.     Vicegreacy of mankind:

Allah has upheld his sovereignty but has made man his khalifa. Hence, according to Quran, the purpose of human Vicegreacy is to uphold the rule and social order of Allah in Public administration and not transgress the limits of Allah.

   

        Illustration

          These are the limits, Allah. Do not transgress them.

                                                                                  (2:187)

3.     Amanah: The concept of trust in Islam:

In surah Nisa Ayat 78, Allah has enshrined that men have been entrusted with things in their lives and he is bound to pay the trust of those due.

           Illustration:

1.     Leadership is a trust of Allah.

2.     Bureaucratic position is a trust of Allah.

Hence, in the public administration man has to pay his trust back by doing his job with dignity.

4.     Consultation: Fundamental principle of Islamic administration

Islam is a firm believer in consultative democracy. The Quran in many places has asked believers to consult themselves. The masjid nabi as the first shura of Islam is also an example in this regard.

         Illustration:

          “And consult them in their affairs.”

                                                                 (Al Quran)

 

 

5.     Dispensation of equitable justice:

Justice is one of the cornerstones of Islam which has been overly emphasized in the Quran as well as-Sunnah. The philosophy of Islamic administration also gives adequate weight to the dispensation of equitable justice.

       Illustration:

          “Whenever you decide, decide justly.”

                                                                      (Al Quran)

The previous nations were destroyed because if someone from a superior class would do a crime, he would get away with it. However, if someone from the lower class would do a crime. He would be punished.

                                                                          (Hadith)

6.     Selection of the right leadership:

According to Maulana Mandidi, there are four principles of selection of the right leadership.

1.     He should know the system.

2.     He should not be disobedient to Allah.

3.     He should be honest.

4.     He should not be oppressive.

 

7.     Accountability:

The principle of accountability also transcends into public administration in Islam. It is a belief that man is answerable both to his institution as well as Allah.

             Every one of you is responsible for those under him.

                                                                                             (Hadith)

8.     Encouraging good and forbidding evil:

You are the best of the nations enjoined to do good and forbid evil.

                                                                       (Al Quran)

9.     Tolerance and conflict resolution:

Islam has emphasized integrated societies, tolerance for minorities, and upholding religious freedom.

          Illustration:

          The charter of medina granted adequate protection to the Jews.

10.  Equality:

In Islam, everyone is equal before the law. No discrete power has been given to the administrators and this precedent was set by the prophet (S.A.W) and pious caliphs.

          Illustration:

“If my daughter Fatima would have committed theft, I would not have spared her.”

                                                                                 (Hadith)

Critical Analysis

                   In the eras of previous prophets, the era of the state of Medina and pious caliphs illustrate a lot of examples of efficient public administration.

 

 

Illustration:

1.     In chapter 38, ayats 88 to 101, Quran has described the administration of Zulqurnain.

2.     Administration of Prophet Musa and the government reforms in Quran (Chapter 38).

3.     Famine management of Hazrat Yusuf.

4. the State of Medina.

5.     Administration of the pious caliphs.

Conclusion

                   Today, the modern Islamic state talks of replicating the state of Medina. However, it will not be possible without self-contemplation as well as legal reform ensuing the mentioned principles. In this way, Islam can once again gain its lost glory.