An Analytical Study of the Responsibilities of Muslim Rulers in the Light of the Qur'an and Seerah: A Case of Gaza

Abstract

The responsibilities of Muslim rulers in accordance with the Qur’an and the Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ are critically reviewed through the current crisis in Gaza. The Qur'an enjoins the rulers to perform their duties of justice and protecting the oppressed and adhering to the moral and social values of Islam in their own lands as well as in their neighbouring territories. Prophet’s treaties, military and diplomatic policies, which involved practical models of leadership in the face of oppression, prioritized the welfare of the Muslim community and defended human dignity were all found in the Seerah. It is a severe humanitarian and political crisis that bears on the application of Islamic governance principles in contemporary times, and is the plight of Gaza. This paper asks the question of whether and how modern Muslim rulers have fulfilled their obligations as per Qur’an and prophetic teachings to the oppressed people of Gaza. Mentioning key responsibilities like provision of political, economic, military support, support for international justice, and strengthening unity between Muslim nations, it is. The study shows that big gaps exist between Islamic ideals and modern practices by comparing historical precedents with modern culture. The conclusion of the paper provides recommendations to the Muslim rulers on following the Islamic sources, demanding that they adopt a proactive, a united, and an ethically founded approach to the global crises that ensue from Gaza, which corresponds to the divine and moral obligations. It is meant to help form contemporary Islamic political thought and to provide the answers based on the Qur'an and Seerah regarding Muslim humanitarian issues.

Keywords: Muslim Rulers, Qur'an, Seerah, Gaza Crisis, Islamic Governance, Justice and Oppression, Muslim Unity