Governance in Islam
9 Grade 10 Religious Education (IRE) questions on Governance in Islam, with worked marking schemes. 9 questions are available on this topic in full.
Question 1
4 marksDescribe each of the following features of governance in Islam:
(a) Justice. (2 marks)
(b) Participation. (2 marks) (4 marks)
(4 marks)
Marking scheme
(a) Justice - any two of the following, 1 mark each (2 marks): - Leaders must judge and rule with justice and give trusts to those they are due to (Qur'an 4:58). - All people are equal before the law regardless of status; the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) said that even if Fatimah his daughter stole, he would apply the punishment (Bukhari and Muslim, narrated by Aishah). - Hatred of a people must not prevent a leader from being just (Qur'an 5:8). - Resources such as zakat and public wealth are distributed fairly. - The rights of all citizens, including non-Muslims, are protected. - Judges must be impartial and decide on evidence. (b) Participation - any two of the following, 1 mark each (2 marks): - The people take part in choosing their leaders through bay'ah, e.g. the choice of Abu Bakr at Saqifah and of Uthman through a council of six. - Citizens have the right and duty to give sincere advice (nasihah) to leaders ("Religion is sincere advice", Muslim, narrated by Tamim al-Dari). - Both men and women take part; the believing women gave bay'ah to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) (Qur'an 60:12). - Members of the community share in enjoining good and forbidding evil (Qur'an 3:104). - People contribute to community projects and public affairs.
Question 2
1 markOn becoming caliph, Abu Bakr (R.A.) told the people, in effect, "If I do well, help me; if I do wrong, correct me. Obey me as long as I obey Allah and His Messenger." Which principle of governance was he emphasising?
A. Succession of leadership within the ruling family
B. Accountability of the leader to the people
C. Separation of religion from state affairs
D. Absolute obedience to the ruler in all matters
(1 mark)
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1 markWhen the Israelites objected that Talut was not wealthy enough to be their king, the Qur'an (2:247) states that Allah had chosen him and increased him abundantly in
A. Eloquence and military victories
B. Knowledge and physical strength
C. Age and a large number of followers
D. Wealth and noble family lineage
(1 mark)
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6 marksYusuf has been elected president of the Students' Council in his school. Explain three ways in which he can apply the principles of good governance in Islam in leading the council. (6 marks)
(6 marks)
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6 marksSome leaders in Kenya are accused of misusing public funds and of giving jobs to their relatives instead of qualified people.
(a) State two effects of such conduct on the community. (2 marks)
(b) Explain two ways in which Islamic teachings guide a leader to avoid such conduct. (4 marks)
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
(a) Any two of the following, 1 mark each (2 marks): - Poor public services (e.g. hospitals, roads, schools) because funds are lost. - Qualified people are denied jobs, causing unemployment and frustration. - Unqualified officers lower the quality of work and service. - Loss of public trust in leaders and institutions. - A widening gap between the rich and the poor. - Tribalism, division and conflict in the community. - A culture of corruption that others copy. (b) Any two of the following, 2 marks each (identify 1, explain 1) (4 marks): - Leadership is a trust for which the leader will answer to Allah: "Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock" (Bukhari and Muslim, narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar). - Allah commands that trusts be given to those they are due to (Qur'an 4:58), so positions must go to qualified people. - Giving authority to those unfit for it is a betrayal of trust: "When matters are entrusted to those unfit for them, wait for the Hour" (Bukhari, narrated by Abu Hurairah). - Islam forbids consuming others' wealth unjustly and bribing officials (Qur'an 2:188). - The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) rebuked Ibn al-Lutbiyyah, a zakat collector who kept gifts given to him in office (Bukhari and Muslim, narrated by Abu Humayd al-Sa'idi). - Fear of Allah and of the Day of Judgement restrains a leader from misusing public resources. - Consultation and transparency expose and prevent abuse of office.
Question 6
4 marksHadija wants to vie for the position of chairperson of the Muslim Students Association in her school. Outline four ways in which she should conduct her campaign in line with Islamic teachings on leadership. (4 marks)
(4 marks)
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1 markBefore the Battle of Uhud, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) asked his companions whether to defend Madinah from inside the city or to go out to meet the enemy, and he accepted the majority's view to go out. Which feature of governance in Islam does this illustrate?
A. Shura (consultation)
B. Adl (justice)
C. Hisbah (moral supervision)
D. Bay'ah (pledge of allegiance)
(1 mark)
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4 marksApart from knowledge and physical strength, outline four qualities of a leader according to Islamic teachings. (4 marks)
(4 marks)
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6 marksExplain three reasons why good leadership is important in a Muslim community. (6 marks)
(6 marks)
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