In Britain once the appointment of the new leader is complete, your input
to the running of the country's affairs is effectively finished for the
next five years. In the Islamic Ruling System, your opinion is not only
valued by the leadership, but in some circumstances you may be obliged to
voice it. Imagine you as a citizen of the Islamic State had a complaint.
What can you do?
It may happen that the Khaleefah neglects his duty. Instead of Allah's
law, he rules as he pleases according to his own whims and fancies - i.e.
becoming a dictator . He could for example allow the State to ally with
organisations based on taghut (disbelief) like the UN, or permit trading
by riba (interest) in the banks. Or he may become corrupted himself by
being a thief or an adulterer. These kind of things often happen in the
West, but we find ourselves in no position to do anything about it.
As a citizen of the Islamic State, whether male or female, Muslim or
non-Muslim, you can approach the Khaleefah. This may be done for any
reason, be it to encourage him to fear Allah, or to ask him for your
rights. However, your reasons can be broadly divided into two categories:
1. Advice : You might inform the Khaleefah of any news or information that
may be of the public interest, such as the necessity of a school or
hospital in your community.
2. Accounting : If you feel that the Khaleefah is neglecting his duties in
any way, it is your duty to account him for it and advise him to correct
his wrong actions. This may be in cases where he has failed to implement
any Islamic law, like neglecting the duty of Jihad, or if he has
implemented laws which contradict Islam, such as allowing the selling of
alcohol. You may also voice your concerns if he is unjust in his dealings
with the people such as not providing the basic necessities.
How Can You Approach the Khaleefah ?
In the first instance, you would write a letter to the Khaleefah. This
would be read by one of his hajib (secretaries) involved in
administration, and would be dealt with by him, or brought to the
attention of the Khaleefah himself if necessary.
You could go to your local representative of the Majlis al-Ummah,
particularly if it was regarding a local issue. You and every citizen of
the Islamic State have access to a member of the Majlis. He would take
your complaint and represent it at the next meeting of the council for
consideration by the other members. If they decided the matter was grave
enough to be taken further, they would advise the Khaleefah.
If the matter is of a more pressing nature, you could arrange to meet one
of the Khaleefah's delegated assistants. He has similar authority to the
Khaleefah, although he is finally accountable to him, so he may be able to
deal with your problem himself. Otherwise, he is in constant communication
with the Khaleefah and could represent your views to him.
If you are not satisfied with any of these, you have the right to meet the
Khaleefah in person. At the court of the Khaleefah you would be received
by his hajib, who could either pass on your message or arrange for you to
meet the Khaleefah if you required.