Critiquing Islam 2.0

Islamic Response

Why Are Some Muslim-Majority Countries Plagued with Corruption, Injustice, and Repression?

Introduction: Shariah as the Divine Solution — But Why the Problems?

Islam teaches that Shariah (Islamic law) is a divine, comprehensive system that offers guidance for all aspects of life — spiritual, moral, legal, and social. It is presented in the Qur’an and the Sunnah (Hadith) as a perfect and just system capable of solving humanity’s problems. Yet, many Muslim-majority countries struggle with corruption, injustice, and repression. If Islam is divinely perfect, then why do some Muslim-majority countries experience social and political problems?

This post explores the Islamic perspective on why this is the case, using Qur’an, authentic Hadith, classical Islamic scholarship, and historical insights. Islam offers a clear answer: these problems arise not because of Shariah itself but because of the failure to properly implement Shariah, human shortcomings, and the influence of un-Islamic practices.

Qur’an 5:3:

"This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion."

1. Human Corruption and Failure to Apply Shariah Properly

A. Human Weakness and Sinfulness

Islam acknowledges that human beings are not perfect. They are prone to sin, greed, and corruption.
Even in a society governed by Shariah, if the rulers and citizens lack sincerity, piety, and integrity, they will deviate from Islamic principles.
Qur’an 12:53:

"Indeed, the soul is prone to evil, except those upon whom my Lord has mercy."
Ibn Kathir explains in his Tafsir that human weakness is an inherent part of human nature, and without sincere faith and constant self-purification, people are prone to wrongdoing.

B. The Importance of Righteous Leadership

The Qur’an emphasizes the importance of righteous leaders who uphold justice:
- Qur’an 4:58:
  
  "Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people, judge with justice."
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned against corrupt rulers:
- Sahih Muslim 1855:
  
  "The worst of rulers are those who oppress their subjects."
Ibn Taymiyyah elaborates in his book "Al-Siyasah al-Shar'iyyah" that the corruption of society begins with the corruption of its leaders. He emphasizes that rulers must be just, knowledgeable, and accountable to Allah.

C. The Absence of True Shariah in Many Muslim Countries

Many Muslim-majority countries claim to implement Shariah but actually use a mixture of Shariah and secular laws.
Some governments use the label of "Islamic law" to justify their own authoritarian rule while violating Islamic principles of justice and accountability.
Qur’an 5:44:

"And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed — then it is those who are the disbelievers."
Al-Ghazali, in his book "Ihya Ulum al-Din", emphasizes that true Shariah is based on justice, mercy, and wisdom. When rulers abandon these principles, they abandon the true essence of Shariah.

D. The Role of Hypocrisy (Nifaq)

The Qur’an condemns hypocrisy, which is a major cause of corruption in Muslim societies:
- Qur’an 63:1:
  
  "When the hypocrites come to you, [O Muhammad], they say, 'We testify that you are the Messenger of Allah.' And Allah knows that you are His Messenger, and Allah testifies that the hypocrites are liars."
The Prophet Muhammad warned against hypocritical leaders:
- Sahih Bukhari 6095:
  
  "The signs of a hypocrite are three: When he speaks, he lies; when he promises, he breaks his promise; and when he is entrusted, he betrays."

2. The Distortion of Shariah by Cultural Practices

A. Mixing Cultural Customs with Islamic Law

In many Muslim-majority countries, cultural customs and traditions are mistakenly regarded as part of Shariah.
Practices such as honor killings, forced marriages, female genital mutilation (FGM), and tribal revenge are cultural customs that contradict Islamic teachings.
Qur’an 16:90:

"Indeed, Allah commands justice, good conduct, and giving to relatives and forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression."
Ibn Kathir in his Tafsir emphasizes that cultural practices must always be measured against the principles of Shariah. If they contradict Islamic teachings, they must be rejected.

B. Misinterpretation and Misapplication of Islamic Law

In some cases, Shariah is misinterpreted or selectively applied to benefit powerful individuals or groups.
This leads to injustice and inequality, which are contrary to the core principles of Shariah.
Qur’an 5:8:

"O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just."
Al-Ghazali teaches that any interpretation of Shariah that leads to injustice is automatically invalid because justice is a fundamental principle of Islam.

C. The Problem of Sectarianism

Sectarianism (Sunni-Shia conflict) has also been a source of division and violence in some Muslim-majority countries.
Islam teaches that all Muslims are one Ummah (community), but political and sectarian conflicts have led to division.
Qur’an 3:103:

"And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided."

3. The Influence of Colonialism and Secularism

A. The Legacy of Colonialism

Many Muslim-majority countries were colonized by European powers (Britain, France, Portugal), which imposed foreign laws and weakened Islamic governance.
Colonial powers deliberately dismantled Islamic educational, legal, and judicial institutions, replacing them with secular systems.
Even after independence, many countries retained secular legal codes and colonial administrative structures.

B. The Secularization of Law and Government

In some countries, Shariah is restricted to personal status laws (marriage, divorce, inheritance), while criminal law and civil law are governed by secular codes.
This selective application of Shariah leads to a superficial Islamic identity, but the core of governance remains secular.
Qur’an 5:50:

"Then is it the judgment of [the time of] ignorance they desire? But who is better than Allah in judgment for a people who are certain [in faith]."
Ibn Taymiyyah emphasizes that when Islamic governance is replaced by secular law, the society becomes susceptible to injustice and moral decay.

4. The Role of Personal Responsibility and Accountability

A. Islam Emphasizes Personal Accountability

Islam teaches that every individual is responsible for their own actions and will be judged by Allah on the Day of Judgment.
A corrupt society is ultimately a reflection of the corruption of individuals.
Qur’an 99:6-8:

"So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it."

B. The Importance of Justice and Fairness

True Shariah emphasizes justice, fairness, and the protection of human rights:
- Qur’an 4:135:
  
  "O you who have believed, stand firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives."

C. The Need for Reform and Education

To overcome corruption and injustice, Muslim societies must focus on Islamic education, sincere leadership, and the proper understanding of Shariah.
Scholars must teach the true principles of Shariah and reject cultural practices that contradict Islam.

5. Conclusion: The Problem is Not Shariah, but Its Misapplication

Islam provides a comprehensive and just system of law and governance, but the problems in Muslim-majority countries are due to:
- Human corruption and hypocrisy.
- The distortion of Shariah by cultural practices.
- The influence of colonialism and secularism.
- The lack of true Islamic education and righteous leadership.
The solution is not to abandon Shariah but to ensure that it is properly understood, implemented, and practiced with justice, fairness, and sincerity.
Qur’an 5:8:

"O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice."