Mauao Man

Between the Ideal and the Real:

Why Modern Muslim States Don’t Reflect Pure Sharia

Understanding the Gap Between Islamic Ideals and Real-World Politics

Introduction: The Gap Between Theory and Reality

When many Muslims speak of a “pure Islamic state,” they imagine a society where divine law governs every aspect of life — a place of justice, morality, and piety, where Sharia law is the supreme authority. But in the real world, most Muslim-majority countries look very different. From the bustling streets of Cairo to the skyscrapers of Dubai, the reality of Islamic governance is often shaped by politics, culture, and power rather than pure religious principles.

Why do modern Muslim states look so different from the idealized vision of a Sharia-governed society? This post explores the reasons for this gap — from the influence of colonial history to the politics of authoritarian rule — and examines how these states navigate the tension between religious ideals and practical governance.

1. The Ideal: What a Pure Islamic State Would Look Like

1. Sharia Law as the Supreme Authority

In a pure Islamic state, all laws must comply with Sharia (Islamic law).
The legal system is based on the Quran, Hadith, Ijma (consensus), and Qiyas (analogy).
Punishments for crimes are determined by Sharia, including:
- Hudud crimes: Fixed punishments for offenses like theft (amputation), adultery (stoning), and apostasy (death).
- Qisas (Retribution): An eye for an eye in cases of murder or assault.
- Tazir (Discretionary Punishments): Lesser offenses punished at the judge’s discretion.

2. Theocratic Leadership: No Democracy, No Secularism

Sovereignty belongs to Allah alone, as the Quran states:
- “The command is for none but Allah.” (Quran 12:40)
The ruler (Caliph) is chosen by a council of Islamic scholars (Shura) or appointed by his predecessor.
There are no political parties, and opposition to the ruler can be considered rebellion against the Ummah (Muslim community).

3. Moral Policing and Public Behavior

Public morality is enforced by religious police (Hisbah), ensuring that:
- Women wear modest clothing (hijab, niqab).
- Men maintain modesty and grow beards.
- Alcohol, gambling, and other haram activities are strictly prohibited.
Public spaces may be gender-segregated, and unrelated men and women cannot interact privately (khalwa).

4. Economic System: No Interest, Halal Commerce

Interest (riba) is forbidden, and all financial transactions must comply with Islamic finance principles.
Zakat (mandatory charity) is collected and used to support the poor.
Businesses are forbidden from dealing in haram products, including alcohol, pork, and gambling.

5. Family Law: Gender Roles and Inheritance

Men can marry up to four wives, while women may marry only one Muslim man (Quran 4:3).
Inheritance is divided according to Sharia:
- Sons receive twice the share of daughters (Quran 4:11).
- Women’s testimony in court is worth half that of a man (Quran 2:282).

This is the idealized vision — but the reality in modern Muslim-majority countries is far more complicated.

2. The Reality: Why Modern Muslim States Don’t Follow Pure Sharia

1. The Legacy of Colonialism

Many Muslim-majority countries were once colonies of European powers, such as:
- Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia (French colonies)
- India and Pakistan (British colonies)
- Indonesia (Dutch colony)
Colonial powers introduced secular legal systems, replacing Sharia with European-style laws.
Even after independence, many countries kept these secular legal systems, creating a dual system where secular law coexists with Sharia in personal matters (marriage, divorce, inheritance).

2. Authoritarian Rule and Political Control

In many Muslim-majority countries, rulers prioritize political power over religious purity:
- Saudi Arabia: Although it claims to follow Sharia, the monarchy enforces its own interpretation of Islamic law, and political dissent is crushed.
- Iran: A theocratic state led by the Supreme Leader, but political factions and power struggles dominate the system.
- Egypt: A secular state in practice, where Islamic law is referenced but state security and military power are supreme.

3. The Influence of Oil Wealth

Oil-rich states like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar prioritize economic growth and international trade over strict religious governance.
Alcohol, casinos, and nightclubs exist in these countries, despite being haram (forbidden) in Islam.
Islamic teachings on modesty and gender roles are often set aside for tourism and international business.

4. The Rise of Nationalism Over Religion

In the 20th century, many Muslim-majority countries embraced nationalism over religious identity:
- Turkey: Under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Turkey became a secular republic, banning the hijab in public institutions.
- Egypt: Gamal Abdel Nasser promoted Arab nationalism over Islamic identity.
- Iran: The Shah promoted Western modernization until the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

5. The Role of International Law and Human Rights

Muslim-majority countries are members of the United Nations, which promotes human rights standards that often conflict with Sharia:
- Freedom of religion (including the right to leave Islam).
- Gender equality.
- Protection against cruel and unusual punishment (such as stoning or amputation).
To maintain international recognition, many Muslim-majority countries maintain a dual legal system:
- Secular law for public matters (criminal law, business).
- Sharia law for personal status (marriage, divorce, inheritance).

3. The Compromise: The Dual Legal System in Modern Muslim States

1. Secular Law vs. Sharia Law

In most Muslim-majority countries, secular law governs public matters:
- Criminal law, business regulation, international trade, and public administration.
Sharia law is limited to personal status laws:
- Marriage, divorce, inheritance, child custody, and religious practices.

2. The Role of Islamic Courts

In countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Sudan, Sharia courts have full authority over both criminal and personal matters.
In countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, Sharia courts exist only for Muslims and only for personal matters.
In secular states like Turkey and Tunisia, Sharia has no legal authority, but Islamic values influence social expectations.

4. The Debate: Should Muslim States Strive for Pure Sharia?

1. Arguments for a Pure Islamic State

Advocates argue that Sharia is the only true form of justice, as it is derived from divine revelation.
They see secular law as corrupt, unjust, and disconnected from religious values.
Groups like the Taliban, ISIS, and Al-Shabaab have tried to establish pure Islamic states, often with brutal methods.

2. Arguments for Secularism

Critics argue that Sharia law violates human rights, especially the rights of women and religious minorities.
Secularism allows for freedom of thought, freedom of religion, and democratic governance.
They see the failure of “pure Islamic states” like the Taliban’s Afghanistan as evidence that Sharia cannot work in the modern world.

Conclusion: Between the Ideal and the Real

The gap between the ideal of a pure Islamic state and the reality of modern Muslim-majority countries is wide. Political leaders prioritize power, wealth, and international recognition over strict religious governance. Colonial history, nationalism, and the demands of the global economy have left their mark.

But the debate is far from over. For many Muslims, the idea of a state governed by Sharia remains an inspiring ideal. For others, it is a dangerous dream that threatens freedom and human rights.

The question remains: Can a Muslim-majority country ever fully live up to the vision of a pure Islamic state? Or is this vision an impossible ideal in a complex, interconnected world?

Inside a Pure Islamic State: What Sharia Law Looks Like in Practice
Islam and the Law in New Zealand: Rights, Protections, and Controversies
The Future of Islam in New Zealand: Growth, Integration, and Tensions
1,400 Years of Division: How Islam’s Ancient Conflicts Shape New Zealand Today
Muslim Women in New Zealand: Voices Behind the Veil

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About the Author

Mauao Man is a blog created by a New Zealand writer who believes in following the evidence wherever it leads. From history and religion to culture and society, Mauao Man takes a clear, critical, and honest approach — challenging ideas without attacking people. Whether exploring the history of Islam in New Zealand, the complexities of faith, or the contradictions in belief systems, this blog is about asking the hard questions and uncovering the truth.

If you value clarity over comfort and truth over tradition, you’re in the right place.