Power, politics and trust go together

Those in positions of authority must be just and moral when fulfilling their duties.

“NEARLY all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

Often attributed to Abraham Lincoln, this quote portrays the reality of human beings when tested with power.

A person in a position of power is expected to exercise that power with wisdom and the understanding that he will maintain order and improve the organisation or society in general.

Nonetheless, for most, it is difficult to stay on course and remain aligned to the initial commitments and vision.

This can be due to many factors including the defiance encountered when dealing with other people and surroundings that eventually affects the person in power. Also, it cannot be denied that power is indeed intoxicating and can change one’s character.

That is why individuals sometimes find it difficult to let go of power.

As British historian Lord Acton once commented, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

The basis for the notion of man’s power in Islam is the understand- ing that there are boundaries and limits to this power.

We need to understand that the absolute power resides only in Allah the Almighty. When man exercises power, he must do it with a clear conscience that he is accountable to Allah.

His position of authority is a form of trust bestowed upon him. To fulfil that trust, he has to carry out his responsibilities.

A person with power who understands this duty will use his position to enhance his moral character and strengthen his faith in religion.

Allah says in the Quran: “And We appointed from among them leaders giving guidance under Our command so long as they persevered with patience and continued to have faith in Our signs.” (Chapter 32: Verse 24)

It is important to look at political power because it involves the ability to control the behaviour of people in a larger setting, that is, society.

With such power comes the authority that allows political leaders to assert influence and shape the political attitude of the public.

As such, all political leaders must be responsible when disseminating information because their positions of power, whether in the party or government, will very likely affect how society behaves. Here, it is vital to understand the relationship between power, politics and trust.

In Islam, politics is based on three fundamental principles: tawhid (oneness of God), risalah (prophethood) and khalifah (vicegerency).

Tawhid implies that Allah is the sole, ultimate Creator and Sustainer of the universe and everything that exists within it. The channel through which the law of Allah is received is known as risalah, which comes from the Quran, as well as the authoritative interpretation and exemplification of the Prophet Muhammad as the Messenger of Allah.

The Prophet has provided us with the best model for how we should live our lives in this world by implementing the law and providing necessary details wherever required. This includes the model of his leadership of Madinah, which was recognised and accepted by people of all religions.

Khalifah means that man is the representative of Allah on this earth. By virtue of the powers delegated to man, he is required to preserve the trust and be responsible for his actions in this world within the limits prescribed by God.

This interrelation between trust and vicegerency is important as it aims to promote and enhance goodness and virtue, which should thrive among mankind. This also comes with the need to stifle all forms of exploitation, immorality, greed and injustice.

Islam emphasises that the principles of morality are to be observed at all cost and in all aspects of life.

Hence, Islam lays down a permanent requisite for the state and those with power to base their poli- tics on wisdom, justice, truth and integrity. Under no conditions should injustice, deceit and hostility be permitted or tolerated for the sake of political expediency or a power race.

Truth, honesty and goodness must be accentuated in all aspects of political life, including the relations between leaders and the people or between nations.

To conclude, we must realise that power and authority are the instruments with which justice is established and virtues are promoted among mankind.

The responsibilities that come with power should be viewed as religious obligations.

With this understanding in place, power must fundamentally be regarded as a form of trust conferred by God to be exercised justly and morally to serve the purpose of our existence as vicegerents of the one and only God.