Part 4
By: Ahmad Rashid Al-Zarqa
Continuing our discussion on the merits of the Islamic system, we now examine two additional advantages.
5. The Islamic System is Universal
Islam presents a comprehensive program for all of humanity, transcending nations, social classes, and temporal boundaries. It is not confined to any specific era, region, or group but serves as a complete way of life, divinely ordained to guide mankind until the Day of Judgment.
Islam calls upon Muslims to unite as a single Ummah and to work toward establishing a global Islamic order. This objective can only be realized through collective effort, unity, and adherence to divine guidance. Allah the Almighty affirms the universality of Islam in numerous Qur’anic verses:
“Say, ‘O mankind, indeed I am the Messenger of Allah to you all.'” (Al-A’raf: 158)
This verse establishes that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent to all of humanity, not to a specific people alone.
“And this Qur’an has been revealed to me so that, with it, I may warn you and whoever it reaches.” (Al-An’am: 19)
“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Al-Anbiya: 107)
“And it is nothing but a reminder to all the worlds.” (87)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) further emphasized this universality, stating:
“Every prophet before me was sent exclusively to his own people, but I have been sent to all mankind.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Unlike previous revelations such as Judaism and Christianity, which were specific to the Children of Israel, Islam is immutable and eternally applicable. Allah refers to the limited scope of earlier messages in the verse:
“Go to Pharaoh and say, ‘Indeed, we are the messengers of the Lord of the worlds, [sent] to you, to let the Children of Israel go with us.'” (Ash-Shu’ara: 16–17)
Thus, Islam’s message and its political system are universal, inclusive, and timeless, designed for all humanity as servants of the One Allah, always in need of His guidance.
6. The Islamic System is Balanced and Moderate
A defining feature of Islam is its commitment to balance and moderation in all aspects of life.
Allah declares:
“Thus We have made you a justly balanced community, that you may be witnesses over mankind.” (Al-Baqarah: 143)
Islam advocates moderation in belief, worship, ethics, social values, intellectual discourse, and governance. Its political system rejects extremes, whether the tyranny of absolute dictatorship or the unchecked liberties of unrestrained democracy.
Instead, Islamic governance entrusts leadership to Ahl al-Hall wal-‘Aqd (qualified representatives), individuals of knowledge, piety, and expertise, through consultative (shura) decision-making.
The Prophet (PBUH) taught:
“The best of matters are those that are moderate.” (Reported by al-Bayhaqi)
Consequently, the Islamic system avoids both excess and neglect. It is a consultative, knowledge-based framework in which authority is neither despotic nor purely populist. This equilibrium ensures justice, preserves social order, and guarantees Islam’s timeless relevance for every generation.