What Islamic scholars say about non-Muslim leadership

 Views that completely forbid non-Muslims from becoming leaders typically stem from the Salafi-Takfiri perspective.

From Moaz Nair

There is a stark contrast between the stance of certain political factions, such as PAS under Abdul Hadi Awang, and Dr Zakir Naik, both of whom reject non-Muslim leadership—and that of mainstream scholars, whose views are more inclusive and contextual.

The view of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb, stated:

“Any Muslim or non-Muslim can become a leader of a society or a country if he is trustworthy. If a leader transgresses (is guilty and untrustworthy), it is the duty of both Muslims (the citizens) and non-Muslims to oppose and not vote for him.”

The influence of the Salafi-Takfiri ideology

Views that completely forbid non-Muslims from becoming leaders typically stem from the Salafi-Takfiri perspective.

They interpret Quranic verses through the lens of the 7th century CE—an era of hostility between Muslims and non-Muslims—without accounting for contemporary contexts. As a result, this ideology tends to readily label others as non-believers (kafir) or apostates (murtad).

Conversely, reputable scholars (ulama muktabar) untethered by this school of thought interpret the Quran through a broader perspective that aligns with the evolution of time.

The view of Sheikh Ali Jum’ah

His Eminence Sheikh Ali Jum’ah, the former Grand Mufti of Egypt, untangles this issue using the example of electing MPs:

• Election scenario: If there are two candidates—a Muslim candidate with a poor and corrupt administrative record, versus a non-Muslim candidate with a transparent, efficient administrative and management record—the vote should rightfully be given to the non-Muslim candidate who can deliver public benefit (maslahah).
• Property management analogy: If a person has property or land to manage, that responsibility is undoubtedly assigned to someone who is trustworthy and competent, regardless of their religious background alone.

Confusion over the concept of ‘Wali Amri’

MPs are not “Wali Amri” in the true context of Islamic jurisprudence, such as a supreme ruler. The duty of a MP in the Dewan Rakyat is to enact laws, debate policies, and pass the national budget.

This discussion aims to highlight the distinct contrast between the people of knowledge (fuqaha) who argue based on authentic scholarly disciplines, and individuals who debate legal rulings based purely on sentiment and fervour.

Speaking about Allah’s laws and His verses demands a heavy trust (amanah). This trust requires strength (quwwah), meaning a mastery of knowledge recognised by the scholarly community of Islam.

Conclusion

Some traditional scholars cite Quranic verses, such as verse 141 of Surah An-Nisa and verse 51 of Surah Al-Ma’idah, to argue that Muslims should not place non-Muslims in positions of supreme authority or governance, which might allow them to rule contrary to Islamic principles.

Accordingly, in traditional Islamic jurisprudence and classical political theory, being a Muslim is considered a fundamental prerequisite, particularly for underlying religious obligations like leading prayers or enforcing religious law.

However, a diversity of views exists regarding political leadership, voting systems, and administrative roles within modern pluralistic societies.

Through a modern, contextual lens, the majority of Muslim scholars and contemporary Islamic institutions draw a definitive line between the religious caliphate institutions of past eras and modern civil or political posts today, such as MPs, ministers, or local government leaders in multi-ethnic nations.

Therefore, in multiracial and multicultural countries populated by both Muslims and non-Muslims, they conclude that non-Muslims may hold public office, serve in administrative capacities, or be elected through voting processes based on the principles of justice, efficiency, and their ability to protect citizens’ rights. - FMT

Moaz Nair is an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.