An Example from the Laws of the Islamic Government

I will give one example of the Prophet's policy, which is referred to in various historical reference books compiled by Muslim and non-Muslim authors.  This widely accepted narration states that when the Prophet was in Medina and was Head of State, he declared,

"Whoever dies and leaves a wealth behind, it belongs to his or her heir." [4] 

If this narration is presented to any nation, state, of any country or religion, it will certainly change its people's [perception of Islam] once they are convinced of its authenticity.

The imposition of taxes on inheritance is common today in most countries, even in the countries that claim to have the best laws.  The inheritance tax is not a new law.  It dates back to pre-Islamic eras, as it was common amongst the pagans.  In the laws of the Pre-Islamic pagans, as well as those that were developed in the course of history of Jewish and Christian faiths inheritance tax was upheld.  So, if a person dies and leaves some wealth behind, the government or the dominant tribe, or those in authority, would usually take a part of the money in the form of inheritance tax.  In Islam, however, as the Prophet states, there is no such law that imposes any taxes on inheritance. 

The Prophet Muhammad further states,

"Whoever dies and leaves a debt or a poor family behind, then it is to me and upon me."[5] 

This means that if a person dies and leaves behind a poor family with no money, ‘then they should come to me for they are now my responsibility', i.e. the Prophet Mohammad would be responsible for the poor family's expenses.  But, naturally, the Prophet of Islam went even further than that by extending his hand to those who were in debt.  I believe that such a law does not exist anywhere in the world. Today, even the rich countries that claim to be civilised do not have laws such as these.

Is there a law today in any country in the world that the Head of State pays off the debt of a deceased?  Sometimes it may happen, but not before the inheritors spend endless hours going through so many bureaucracies when they might receive some of the money to pay off a fraction of the debt.  However, there is no such law in any country that provides debt assurance. [6]

It is noted that some countries today do offer welfare support.  Some rich countries have laws that allow poor families financial support, but not enough to meet the families' needs.

Now let's suppose that a country declares the following laws:

1.    No inheritance tax,

2.    If a person dies and leaves a poor family behind, the government will take care of the family's expenses, and if he was in debt, we will pay off his debt.

Don't you think many people from around the world would leave their countries and migrate to such a country to be its citizens?  Even though there is no such law today, you still notice that many people migrate from Islamic countries and less developed countries to countries that enjoy only partial economical comfort and safety, regardless of state religion there.

In general, what is certain is that in Islam, the leader of Muslims must take care of, up to sufficient level, the expenses of a poor family, and pay off its debt.  Imam Sadiq states, "It is upon the Imam (leader or Head of State) to pay it off [the debt], and if he does not, then upon him is the sin [of not paying off the debt]."[7]  However, the word ‘Imam' in this narration refers to any head of state that has the capability to do such things.

The Prophet of Islam did indeed give this great gift to the world - a gift that truly carries with it the prosperity for mankind.  Similarly, this is what will happen again after the appearance of Imam Mahdi, when Allah's promise will be fulfilled, To proclaim [Islam] over all religions.[8]

There is a narration from Imam Sadiq, which follows the Prophetic tradition, that can be found in our books, and this is a source of pride for us, for the Ahl al-Bayt[9] are bestowed with knowledge that others do not have, alas some of our people are not aware of what our Imams posses.  Imam Sadiq states, "The reason behind the conversion of most Jews to Islam was none other than this saying of Prophet Mohammad."[10] When Prophet Mohammad was in charge, as the Head of State, in Medina, he made those declarations and set them as legal laws. As an outcome of these laws, many Jews joined Islam as they realised that Islam was a good religion, and embracing it as a way of life was a sensible idea.  Perhaps they thoughts that:

1.    If we die rich, then the Islamic government will not take anything from our wealth that we leave behind. Thus, our sons/daughters would receive all of our wealth.

2.    On the other hand, if we die poor, then the Islamic government will provide for our families' necessary needs. Moreover, if we die while we are in debt, our families would not carry the burden of our debts, for the Prophet of Islam would take care of our debts.

Thus, the Jews [who were opposed to Islam such] that the Qur'an said about, Certainly you will find the roughest of people in enmity to those who believe, (to be) the Jews[11] joined Islam individually, as whole families, and in groups.

While most Jews converted to Islam for economic incentives, their children and grandchildren saw the light of Islam by living amongst Muslims and growing up in the haven of Islam. Hence, it is possible that some of our Muslim scholars might have been the descendants of early Jews who embraced Islam.

This is but one example of hundreds of examples from the history of Islam that portray its beauty.

If Christians come to realize that Islam is the true, practical religion that is not merely the utterance of words and phrases, but is applied in practice—the way the Prophet Muhammad and Imam Ali implemented it—would they not embrace Islam? Wouldn't the Jews join Islam if they were to know the truth about this great religion? Isn't this example alone enough for the Christians, Jews, Buddhists and other non-Muslims to adopt Islam as a way of life? How did Prophet Mohammad change and guide so many people to Islam, such that Allah said,

And you see people entering the religion of Allah in troops? 

Why was this phenomenon not realised during the thirteen years Prophet Mohammad stayed in Mecca, but rather they joined Islam in large groups during the nine or ten years he spent in Medina?

Prophet Mohammad was able to guide so many people to Islam because the proper grounds and circumstances were available in Medina, but they were not in Mecca. Therefore, if such condition becomes available anywhere in the world, including in non-Muslim countries, and the laws of Islam are taught and implemented, the majority of the people would join Islam.

The world has not witnessed a person more superior than the Prophet Muhammad who had the best of teachings and policies for mankind.  Who would choose not to follow and emulate someone who had the best policies? The elevated dignity and noble honour for a human being offered by Islam, and the social welfare system that Prophet Mohammad and Imam Ali implemented have not been matched anywhere in the world. No laws exist that surpass the pristine and ideal laws of Islam.

Abu Dharr al-Ghifari was a young polytheist. What inspired him to embrace Islam? What did he see and witness that motivated him to become a Muslim and ultimately an exceptional exemplar?  His influence was so great and resonant that there have hundreds great Muslim scholars who are the direct results of his efforts.