Caliph Part 2: Obedience and Disobedience in Fulfilling the Trust

We, as caliphs on earth, have been given laws to be applied in human relationships. Human relationships are known as hablun minannas. Shariah is the divine law of Allah S.W.T that serves as the foundation for fulfilling the responsibilities of a caliph on earth.

Obedience to Shariah

A caliph who adheres firmly to Shariah is one who upholds justice and safeguards the trust as a leader on earth. Obedience requires a struggle against the enemy within oneself, namely desires (hawa nafsu), which often tempt humans towards disobedience.

Disobedience to Shariah

However, there are also caliphs who reject Shariah. This disobedience stems from succumbing to desires (hawa nafsu), which prevent a person from adhering to the divine laws of Allah S.W.T. Continuous disobedience eventually leads humans astray from the straight path, distancing them from the mercy of Allah S.W.T.

Humans who persistently deviate from the path of Allah become individuals who oppress themselves. This is because their refusal to follow Shariah signifies a rejection of belief in the Hereafter, which is the foundation of a believer's life.

The Story of Prophet David and the Responsibilities of a Caliph

The following verse pertains to caliphate. When read in the full context of Surah Sad, from verse 21 to 35, the understanding of the importance of human relationships becomes clearer.

The story in Surah Sad, verses 21-35, briefly narrates the trial of Prophet David (Daud a.s.) in his role as a judge and caliph.

1. Dispute Between Two Men

   • Two men approached Prophet David (Daud a.s.) with a dispute.
   • One of them owned 99 female sheep, while the other had only one male sheep.
   • The owner of the 99 sheep requested the single sheep from his companion, and the latter felt oppressed.

2. Prophet David's Judgment

   • Prophet David (Daud a.s.) immediately ruled that the owner of the 99 sheep had wronged his companion.
   • He remarked that many people tend to oppress each other, except for those who have faith and perform righteous deeds.

3. Prophet David's Realization and Repentance

   • After making his judgment, Prophet David (Daud a.s.) realized that Allah was testing him.
   • He immediately prostrated and repented, seeking Allah’s forgiveness for making a decision before hearing both sides more thoroughly.
   • Allah accepted his repentance and reaffirmed his role as a caliph on earth, who must judge with justice and not follow desires (hawa nafsu).

4. The Trial of Prophet Solomon (Sulaiman a.s.)

   • Following the story of Prophet David (Daud a.s.), Allah also narrated the trial given to his son, Prophet Solomon (Sulaiman a.s.).
   • Prophet Solomon (Sulaiman a.s.) once lost control over his warhorses as a test from Allah.
   • Like his father, Prophet Solomon (Sulaiman a.s.) quickly repented and surrendered to Allah.

5. Lessons from This Story

   • A leader or judge must be cautious and act justly when making decisions.
   • Desires (hawa nafsu) can lead to mistakes in judgment, and a leader must always remain close to Allah.
   • Repentance and seeking forgiveness (istighfar) are the key ways to return to righteousness when one realizes their mistakes.
   • Worldly power is temporary, and Allah’s tests come in many forms, including leadership and justice.

Surah Sad 38:26

To focus specifically on the concept of caliphate, refer to the verse in Surah Sad 38:26, where Allah S.W.T. says:

يَٰدَاوُۥدُ إِنَّا جَعَلۡنَٰكَ خَلِيفَةً فِي ٱلۡأَرۡضِ فَٱحۡكُم بَيۡنَ ٱلنَّاسِ بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَلَا تَتَّبِعِ ٱلۡهَوَىٰ فَيُضِلَّكَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَضِلُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ لَهُمۡ عَذَابٞ شَدِيدُۢ بِمَا نَسُواْ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡحِسَابِ

Translation:

[We said], "O David, indeed We have made you a successor upon the earth, so judge between the people in truth and do not follow [your own] desire, as it will lead you astray from the way of Allāh." Indeed, those who go astray from the way of Allāh will have a severe punishment for having forgotten the Day of Account. — Saheeh International

Desires as a Barrier to Truth (Surah Al-Jathiyah 45:23)

Moreover, desires (hawa nafsu) often lead people astray. Allah S.W.T. states in Surah Al-Jathiyah 45:23:

"Have you seen the one who takes his own desires as his god? And Allah, knowing him [as such], left him astray and set a seal upon his hearing and his heart and put a cover over his vision. Who then will guide him after Allah [has forsaken him]? Will you not then take heed?"

This verse emphasizes that those who succumb to their desires and ignore Allah’s guidance will lose the ability to perceive the truth. It serves as a warning that a caliph must always guard their heart and mind against worldly temptations that could lead them away from their primary duty as a just and responsible leader.

Conclusion

In conclusion, being a caliph is not merely about holding a leadership position but also about ensuring that one does not succumb to desires that lead to misguidance. Without adherence to Shariah, a caliph will fail in his duty and become among those who oppress themselves. Thus, upholding Shariah in life is a fundamental obligation for every caliph to avoid being among those who regret in the Hereafter.