The State in Islam Nature and Scope

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Islamic state: its origin and evolution. 3. The theory and practice of Islamic state after the prophet. 3. Islamic state through medieval ages. 5. Islamic state in the modern era. 6. Jama\'at-e-Islami and Islamic state. 7. The resurgence of Islam and Islamic state. 8. The post-1980 development. 9. On the causes of violence in early Islamic society-I. 10. On the causes of violence in early Islamic society-II. Conclusion.

"Islam basically is religion of peace, compassion and justice. There are enough verses in the Qur\'an to prove this. Violence is allowed only for defence, never for aggression. Moreover, it is incidental, not ideological. In principle, it is peace and it is duty of all Muslims to promote and establish peace.

This book, it is hoped, would help generate a fresh debate on this sensitive subject in a much more informed manner. Also those Muslims who desire to establish Islamic state should know that the Qur\'an does not refer to any such concept. It only desires to establish a just society free of injustices, exploitation and oppression whatever form the state takes. What is called khliafat-e-rashidah was also based on historical context. The form today Islamic state takes will depend on today\'s context. There is no standard form available to emulate. This is precisely what this book says." (jacket)