Is Establishing an Islamic State Through Fighting a Religious Obligation?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Is it considered fard (obligatory) for Muslims to establish an Islamic state through fighting against non-Muslims if they possess the power and capability to do so?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
Scholars agree that appointing a qualified person from the Muslim community to serve as caliph is a communal obligation (fard kifaya). However, they differ on whether this duty comes from reason or from Revealed Law. [Mawardi, al-Ahkam al-Sultaniyya wa al-Wilayat al-Diniyya]
Establishing an Islamic state through warfare or violence is not obligatory (fard), even when power and capability are present. Violence should be avoided whenever possible. The Prophet (Allah bless and give him peace) stated,
“Let there be no harm nor the reciprocation of harm.” [Ibn Maja]
The Obligation of Establishing an Islamic State in Islam
The Shafi‘i School does not describe the obligation of political authority (caliphate) in militant terms. Imam Mawardi begins his discussion on governance by saying:
“Imamate is prescribed to succeed prophethood as a means of protecting the deen and of managing the affairs of this world.” [Mawardi, al-Ahkam al-Sultaniyya wa al-Wilayat al-Diniyya]
The main obligation is to maintain order, ensure justice, and protect religion, not to fight non-Muslims to gain political power.
The main duty in Islam is to establish justice, mercy, and guidance by worshipping sincerely and following the example of the Prophet (Allah bless and give him peace). Islam encourages gradual reform and moral excellence, inviting people to Allah with wisdom, not by force or political control.
Establishing a Caliphate
Imam Mawardi identifies three legally recognized methods for establishing the caliphate:
- One way is through an oath of allegiance (bay‘a) given by those in authority, where leadership is accepted by mutual consent and free choice, not by force.
- Another way is when a current caliph appoints a successor, as Abu Bakr did with ‘Umar. This method is based on continuity and recognized legitimacy, not on force.
- In some cases, the caliphate may be established by seizing power (taghallub). While this is not seen as ideal, it is tolerated to prevent greater harm, like disorder or civil conflict. In these situations, keeping public order is more important than how authority was gained.
In short, political legitimacy should come from mutual agreement and continuity. Using force is only accepted as a last resort to maintain stability. [Ibid.]
From these recognized methods, we can draw the following conclusions:
- Establishing the caliphate does not depend on war or violence.
- Political legitimacy is based on consent and mutual agreement, not on force.
- Seizure of power is tolerated only as a last resort to prevent societal breakdown. Seizing power is only tolerated as a last resort to prevent society from collapsing, not as a religious objective.o fight non-Muslims to establish the caliphate.
- In Sunni law, political authority is meant to keep public order and support the community’s welfare, not to seek control through force.
Therefore, the classical legal framework described by Imam Mawardi does not support the idea that Muslims must establish a caliphate by fighting, even if they have the power to do so.
Allah Most High says:
“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in the best way.” [Quran, 16:125]
This verse emphasizes that the call to Islam is based on wisdom and ethical behavior, not on coercion.
Allah Most High also says:
“And if they incline to peace, then incline to it and place your trust in Allah.” [Quran, 8:61]
This establishes peace as the default orientation where it is possible and just.
Working Together
Moreover, many of the Umma’s problems, often attributed to poor leadership, stem from division and a lack of teamwork. Allah says:
“Obey Allah and His Messenger and do not dispute with one another, or you would be discouraged and weakened. Persevere! Surely Allah is with those who persevere.” [Quran, 8:46]
Islam teaches us to invite others to Allah, show Islamic values by our actions, work together for the common good, seek justice in all situations, and promote peace. Any idea of an “Islamic state” should be built on these principles, and not harm.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town. He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
