Is it impossible to be a true Muslim unless one lives in an Islamic Republic under some form of Sharia law?
The world does not see the "Buddhist Republic of Nepal" or "The Canadian Christian Republic." Is there truly a need for a central religious political entity for Islam to flourish? What is the dynamic that causes people to seek this so vigorously?
Not flaming, just interested, thanks.
Nope.. not at all..
being a good Muslim means you follow the basic tenets..
1. Beleif in God and Mohammad as the last messenger of god.
prayers 5 times a day, fasting in ramadan, give alms(zakat).. and if possible.. the hajj pilgrimage once in your life.
Thats the basics.. that qualifies you as a on par Muslim.. but..
to get to the good grade.. all you need to do... are promote and practice good deeds..
which can range from helping an old lady cross the street.. or teach people traffic laws...
In other words.. a good Muslim is one who is able to fulfill his basic tenets.. 95% of the time. ..be a humanitarian.
Now.. that a single muslim.
what about a collective majority of Muslims..
say one settled in a despots society.. like the ex soviet republics.
In that case.. keep your religion intact.. keep the values alive. as those people did by teaching the Quran in closets..
Now is establishing an Islamic state compulsory..
No.. not unless you as a collective group.. make up a majority..
even in that case.. It is foremost to ensure the minorites are protected.
the Islamic state of 1500 years ago..
Is NOT applicable as it is today.
But that is a different debate.
If there is a Muslim living in Israel..
Its his compulsion to respect the laws of the state..
if he sees injustice being done.. speak against it.. but under the laws of that state.
While in that state.. if the state's laws permit him to request him being tried under sharia.. then prefer those.. but if they dont.. accept those laws..and pray for justice.
In that state.. all those citizens of the state are your fellows..and you shall take them as such.
You dont have to have the Chrismas rum pudding.. but there is no harm in attending the party..
The above I stated for one reason..
You are needed to seek the Islamic state for a reason..
the laws that make an Islamic state(Pakistan is not one, neither is Saudi arabia..or any of those that use that prefix)..are those laws deemed just and exact by god. Yet they are open to interpretation.. if a witness for a case in the 5th century was human..a sample of dna verified by a forensics expert can be a witness today.
But the basic layout of those laws remains unchanged.
I cant believe that the requirement in a law that if you own a piece of land.. and you arent growing anything from it.. or using it for the benefit of anyone.. should be taken from you and given to somebody who can grow food from it.. or find water.. and help others.
What could be more humanitarian than that.
To a Muslim.. these are the best laws for human beings and socity to follow..
but to promote them by force is the last resort..the first and foremost duty is to show their advantages..and their just nature.
Unfortunately ... our current clergy..and the folks you see burning flags.. and protesting.. like to present a twisted version of the Islamic ideals and state..with "god forbid".. barabaric ideals.. and promoting god as vengeful..instead of promoting his mercy.