The Ideal Islamic State vs. Secular States: A Clear Contrast
Divine Law vs. Human Law — What Sets Them Apart?
Introduction: Two Competing Visions of Society
Imagine two radically different societies. In one, every aspect of life — from the way you dress to the way you speak, from the laws you follow to the way you pray — is governed by divine commandments. In the other, human reason, democratic principles, and individual freedom are the foundation of society.
These are the two worlds of the Ideal Islamic State and the Secular State. For centuries, these two models have represented competing visions of how society should be organized. One sees morality and law as inseparable, derived from God’s will. The other sees morality and law as human creations, based on reason, debate, and the will of the people.
This post provides a detailed, side-by-side comparison of the Ideal Islamic State — as defined by Sharia law — and the Secular State, with a focus on governance, law, human rights, and personal freedom.
1. The Foundation of Authority: Divine Law vs. Human Law
| Aspect | Ideal Islamic State | Secular State |
|---|---|---|
| Source of Law | Sharia law — derived from the Quran, Hadith, Ijma, Qiyas | Human law — created by elected representatives and courts |
| Sovereignty | Belongs to Allah alone (Quran 12:40) | Belongs to the people — democracy and popular sovereignty |
| Leadership | A Caliph (Islamic ruler) chosen by scholars (Shura) | Presidents, Prime Ministers, or Monarchs chosen by the people |
| Religious Authority | Religious scholars (Ulama) interpret and enforce Sharia | No religious authority — separation of church and state |
| Legal System | Sharia courts with Qadis (Islamic judges) | Secular courts with judges trained in civil and criminal law |
| Freedom of Dissent | Dissent against the Caliph can be considered rebellion | Freedom of speech and peaceful protest are protected rights |
2. Law and Justice: Sharia Law vs. Secular Law
| Aspect | Ideal Islamic State | Secular State |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Law | Hudud punishments (stoning, amputation, flogging) | Proportional punishment — prison, fines, community service |
| Apostasy (Leaving the Faith) | Punishable by death (Hadith: Sahih Bukhari 6922) | Freedom of religion — no penalty for changing beliefs |
| Blasphemy | Punishable by death or severe punishment | Free speech protected — criticism of religion is allowed |
| Testimony in Court | Testimony of two women equals one man (Quran 2:282) | Equal testimony for all, regardless of gender or religion |
| Rights of Non-Muslims | Limited — can live as Dhimmis (protected people) but with restrictions | Equal rights for all citizens, regardless of religion |
| Religious Crimes | Drinking alcohol, adultery, theft — punished severely | No religious crimes — only secular crimes (theft, assault, etc.) |
3. Personal Freedom: Morality Policing vs. Individual Choice
| Aspect | Ideal Islamic State | Secular State |
|---|---|---|
| Freedom of Dress | Modesty enforced — women wear hijab/niqab, men maintain beards | Freedom of dress — individuals choose their own clothing |
| Gender Segregation | Enforced in public spaces (schools, workplaces, transport) | Gender integration in all public spaces |
| Public Behavior | Moral police (Hisbah) enforce Sharia compliance | No moral policing — behavior regulated by secular law |
| Privacy and Free Speech | Limited — criticism of religion is not tolerated | Full freedom of speech, including criticism of religion |
| Religious Freedom | Non-Muslims can practice but face restrictions | Full religious freedom for all faiths and no faith |
4. Family Law: Religious Authority vs. Secular Equality
| Aspect | Ideal Islamic State | Secular State |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage | Religious contract (Nikah) governed by Sharia | Civil marriage — based on mutual consent |
| Polygamy | Allowed — men may marry up to four wives (Quran 4:3) | Polygamy generally prohibited — one spouse at a time |
| Divorce | Men can divorce through Talaq (verbal) | Divorce through courts — equal rights for men and women |
| Inheritance | Male heirs receive twice the share of female heirs (Quran 4:11) | Equal inheritance rights for all children |
| Child Custody | Fathers have preference once children reach a certain age | Custody decisions based on the best interests of the child |
5. Economic System: Halal Economy vs. Secular Free Market
| Aspect | Ideal Islamic State | Secular State |
|---|---|---|
| Interest (Riba) | Forbidden — all financial transactions must be interest-free | Interest is legal — loans, mortgages, and savings accrue interest |
| Business Ethics | Halal trade only — no alcohol, pork, gambling | Free trade — all legal products can be traded |
| Zakat (Charity Tax) | Mandatory — 2.5% of savings for the poor | Voluntary charity — state taxes fund social welfare |
| Financial System | Islamic finance — profit-sharing, risk-sharing | Conventional finance — banks, stock markets, insurance |
| Employment Rights | Gender roles based on Sharia — men as providers | Equal employment rights for men and women |
6. Education: Religious Doctrine vs. Secular Knowledge
| Aspect | Ideal Islamic State | Secular State |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum | Quranic studies, Islamic theology, Sharia law | Science, humanities, arts, critical thinking |
| Religious Education | Mandatory for all students | Optional — parents choose religious education |
| Academic Freedom | Limited — ideas contrary to Islam may be prohibited | Full academic freedom — critical thinking encouraged |
| Gender Segregation | Separate schools for boys and girls | Co-educational schools |
| Language of Instruction | Arabic (for Quranic studies) | Native language (English, Māori) |
Conclusion: Divine Law vs. Human Law — Which Is Better?
The Ideal Islamic State and the Secular State offer two completely different visions of society. One is built on the belief that morality and law are inseparable, derived from God’s commandments. The other is based on the idea that human beings, through reason and debate, can create just laws and protect individual freedom.
For Muslims who dream of a pure Islamic state, Sharia offers certainty, morality, and divine justice. For those who believe in secularism, it is a system of rigid control that threatens personal freedom, gender equality, and human rights.
But which system is better? That depends on your values. Do you believe that law should be based on divine commandments or on human reason? Should morality be enforced by the state, or should individuals be free to decide for themselves?
The choice between these two systems is a choice between two fundamentally different ways of life.
Related Posts:
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Inside a Pure Islamic State: What Sharia Law Looks Like in Practice
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Between the Ideal and the Real: Why Modern Muslim States Don’t Reflect Pure Sharia
-
Islam and the Law in New Zealand: Rights, Protections, and Controversies
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The Future of Islam in New Zealand: Growth, Integration, and Tensions
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1,400 Years of Division: How Islam’s Ancient Conflicts Shape New Zealand Today
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.
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