Citizenship and Accountability of Government: An Islamic Perspective

ISBN: 9781903682616
Author: Mohammed Hashim Kamali (Author)
Publisher: Islamic Texts Society (August 1; 2011)
Pages: 332 Binding: Paperback

Description from the publisher:

Offering insight into the Islamic perspective; this volume covers two subjects that have never before been discussed as separate topics in Islamic jurisprudence—citizenship and the accountability of government. Tracing the origins of the two concepts in the Qur'an; the Sunnah of the Prophet; and the practice of the first four caliphs; it follows their integration under different branches and explores the rights and obligations of Muslims in Islamic law; applying these to the modern world. Topics include: the definitions of citizenship; the rights of citizens; the duties of citizens; citizenship laws; the concepts of dar al-Islam (abode of Islam); dar al-harb (abode of war) and the dar al-'ahd (abode of treaty); the ummah and the nation-state; government as a trust; the selection of officials; the relationship between authority and citizens; corruption and the misuse of public funds; despotism and dynastic misrule; the right of complaint; the limits of obedience; impeachment of officials and heads of state; and the foundation of institutions of accountability.

Review'The best thing of its kind I have ever seen . . . exactly the kind of thing I have wanted for years to put into the hands of students.' —Charles Adams; professor; McGill University; on Principles of Islamic JurisprudenceAbout the AuthorMohammed Hashim Kamali is chairman of the International Institute of Islamic Studies in Kuala Lumpur; Malaysia; and the author of Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence; Islamic Commercial Law; and The Right to Life; Security; Privacy; and Ownership in Islam. He is a former law professor at the International Islamic University Malaysia; where he taught for more than 20 years.