Book Review: The Islamic System of Government Muhammad Shirazi

The Islamic System of Government

Book Review: The Islamic System of Government Muhammad Shirazi

Before Buying, Better to Read the Book Review: The Islamic System of Government Muhammad Shirazi by Legaproblema.com - What does it truly mean to implement islamic governance in the modern world? How does shia politics shape the concept of an islamic state? These questions are central to our exploration of Book The Islamic System of Government Muhammad Shirazi, a seminal work that delves into the theoretical and practical dimensions of political islam and islamic political economy. This book offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the governance system envisioned by Imam Muhammad Shirazi, one of the leading Shia scholars of the 20th century.¹

The book articulates a model of government grounded in Islamic jurisprudence, emphasizing the role of a qualified Mujtahid (Islamic jurist) as the Head of State, accountable to the nation and bound by strict ethical and legal criteria. It rejects monarchy and hereditary rule, advocating instead for a consultative and pluralistic political system that incorporates legislative, executive, and judicial powers, alongside an independent media as a fourth power. This structure is designed to ensure justice, freedom, and social welfare within an Islamic framework.²

Shirazi’s vision also addresses contemporary challenges such as party-political pluralism, human rights, social justice, and non-violence, making it a vital reference for anyone interested in the intersections of religion and politics in the Muslim world.³

Book Details

Author

Grand Ayatollah Muhammad al-Shirazi

Original Language

Arabic

Translation

English, translated by Z. Olyabek

Publisher

Fountain Books, London

ISBN

1-903323-02-9

Length

Approximately 60 pages (varies by edition)

Genre

Political Theory, Islamic Studies, Religious Governance

Structure and Contents

Ever wondered how islamic governance is structured in theory? This book breaks down the system into clear chapters and articles, each focusing on essential components of governance under Islamic law:⁴

• General Principles of Islamic Government
• System of Government and the Role of the Mujtahid
• Aims of the Islamic Government including justice and welfare
• Foreign Policy and Relations
• Political Parties, Sectarianism, and Pluralism
• Government’s Income and Economic Policies
• Education, Health, and Social Services
• Judicial System and Legal Framework
• Freedom, Rights, and Accountability of the Ruler

The book also includes a glossary and references to Qur’anic and Prophetic sources, reinforcing its foundation in Islamic jurisprudence.

Strong Points of the Book

What makes this book stand out in the realm of political islam? Here are some of its key strengths:⁵

• Comprehensive Framework: It offers a detailed blueprint for an Islamic state that balances religious authority with popular consent.
• Pluralism and Consultation: Emphasizes the importance of party-political pluralism and consultation (Shura), reflecting democratic principles within an Islamic context.
• Ethical Leadership: Sets rigorous criteria for leadership including knowledge, justice, freedom, and legitimacy, rejecting despotism and hereditary rule.
• Social Justice Focus: Addresses welfare, education, health, and redistribution of wealth, highlighting the role of government in societal wellbeing.
• Modern Relevance: Engages with contemporary political issues such as human rights, freedom of expression, and non-violence.

Impact and Legacy

How has Book Review: The Islamic System of Government Muhammad Shirazi influenced shia politics and wider discussions on islamic governance? Since its first English publication in 2000, the book has served as a reference point for scholars, activists, and policymakers interested in Islamic political theory.⁶

The work has contributed to debates on the legitimacy and structure of Islamic states, especially within Shia communities, by promoting a model that combines religious authority with accountability and public participation. It has also inspired Islamist political activists, such as Muhammad G. Ayub, who have sought to apply Shirazi’s principles in contemporary political struggles.⁷

Its legacy extends to academic circles where it is studied alongside other Islamic governance theories, enriching the discourse on how Islamic principles can inform modern political systems without resorting to authoritarianism.

Muhammad Shirazi

Criticism of the Book

Is political islam without controversy? Not quite. While the book is praised for its clarity and principled approach, some critiques arise:⁸

• Gender Restrictions: The exclusion of women from leadership roles, justified on physiological grounds, has been challenged by modern scholars advocating gender equality in governance.
• Practical Implementation: Critics question the feasibility of implementing the idealized system in diverse Muslim societies with varying political realities.
• Centralization of Religious Authority: Some argue that vesting significant power in a religious jurist risks concentrating authority and potentially limiting pluralistic political expression.
• Limited Engagement with Secular Governance: The book focuses primarily on Islamic jurisprudence, offering limited discussion on coexistence with secular or non-Islamic political frameworks.

Comparison with Other Similar Books

How does Shirazi’s vision compare with other works on islamic governance and political islam? Consider the following comparison:⁹

Aspect	The Islamic System of Government (Shirazi)	Wilayat al-Faqih (Khomeini)	Islamic Government (Sayyid Qutb)
Leadership	Mujtahid accountable to nation, elected or selected	Absolute authority of the Supreme Jurist	Emphasis on Islamic state led by vanguard of believers
Political Pluralism	Supports party-political pluralism and consultation	Limited pluralism, focus on religious authority	Rejects secular pluralism, advocates Islamic revolution
Governance Model	Separation of powers with checks and balances	Centralized religious-political authority	Revolutionary, anti-imperialist state
Social Justice	Strong emphasis on welfare and redistribution	Emphasis on justice but under clerical supervision	Focus on social justice through revolutionary means

Islamic Governance

What makes islamic governance distinct from other political systems? Shirazi’s Book Review: The Islamic System of Government Muhammad Shirazi clarifies that it is a system where governance is rooted in divine law, yet it mandates accountability, consultation, and justice. It rejects tyranny and hereditary rule, promoting a model where the ruler must meet strict ethical and religious criteria and remain answerable to the people.¹⁰

This approach challenges stereotypes that Islamic governance is inherently authoritarian, instead presenting a nuanced system that integrates religious principles with participatory politics.

Shia Politics

How does shia politics influence the conception of an islamic state? Shirazi’s work is a cornerstone in Shia political thought, emphasizing the role of the Mujtahid as a spiritual and political leader. Unlike some Sunni models, Shia politics as presented here insists on leadership by qualified jurists who are both knowledgeable and just.¹¹

The book also advocates unity among Muslims and the importance of pluralism within the Shia community, highlighting the dynamic and evolving nature of Shia political theory.

Islamic State

What does an islamic state look like according to Shirazi? It is a state where Islamic law guides legislation, but where power is not absolute or unchecked. The state’s aim is to establish justice, protect freedoms, and provide welfare. The leader, while religiously qualified, must govern with the consent of the governed and can be removed if failing to meet criteria.¹²

This vision contrasts with authoritarian interpretations and underscores the importance of legitimacy and public approval in an Islamic state.

Political Islam

Is political islam monolithic? Shirazi’s book reveals its complexity, advocating for a system that harmonizes Islamic values with democratic principles such as consultation and pluralism. It rejects despotism and promotes freedom of expression, social justice, and non-violence, offering a moderate and principled alternative within the broader spectrum of political Islam.¹³

Islamic Political Economy

How does Shirazi address islamic political economy? The book discusses government income, taxation, redistribution of wealth, and social welfare, emphasizing economic justice as a pillar of governance. It promotes equal opportunity and the fair distribution of resources, reflecting Islamic ethical imperatives in economic policy.¹⁴

These economic principles are designed to support social stability and prosperity within the framework of an Islamic state.

Final Ruling

In reviewing Book The Islamic System of Government Muhammad Shirazi, we find a profound and thoughtful blueprint for Islamic governance that balances tradition with modern political realities. It offers a vision of an islamic state that is just, accountable, and pluralistic, rooted in Shia jurisprudence but open to democratic principles.¹⁵

While not without its critiques, especially regarding gender roles and implementation challenges, the book remains a critical resource for understanding the aspirations and complexities of political islam and islamic governance in the contemporary world.

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Citation

1. https://alshirazi.org/data/library/pdf/14-1640707801-The%20Islamic%20System%20of%20Government.pdf
2. https://archive.org/details/english_shia_books/The%20Islamic%20System%20Of%20Government.pdf
3. https://alshirazi.org/library-item/211?langs=EN
4. https://journal.iaincurup.ac.id/index.php/negrei/article/view/8285
5. https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/16614689.Muhammad_al_Shirazi