Objectives of Governance: A Comparison of Islamic and Western Traditions in the Context of Pakistan

Abstract

An Islamic state led by a Caliph works to achieve objectives of Islamic governance. The objectives of governance between Western (secular democratic system) and Islamic traditions have close proximity, at least in words. These objectives include collective action (ijtimaiyat) and social justice (Aadalah). Collective action is used to provide basic human rights, while the comparable Islamic term ijtimaiya is aimed at providing basic protections. A Western nation state is defined by having legitimacy to tax and maintain an army for defence, while in Islam, comparable terms, though having difference, are Zakat and Jihad. It is required that an Islamic state should achieve effective internal governance by developing legal instruments for achieving the objectives, even if it works under Khilafah, or democracy.