Mohammed Al-Ghazali Al-Saqqa Quotes
The ruler should always be thirsting to meet devout religious scholars and ask them for advice.
Mohammed al-Ghazali al-Saqqa, 1917–1996, Egyptian Islamic Scholar, Nasihat al-Muluk (Advice for Kings)
Sourced by: Eigen's Political and Historical Quotations
This verse has been one of the bases of Muslim theocratic states like Iran’s claim to legitimacy. The word “govern” is sometimes translated as “judge.” In the context of the 6th century, there were no separation of powers as we know them and judging, governing and legislating were melded.
There was a continuing power struggle between the more powerful kings of Europe and the Roman Catholic Pope. This struggle however was not one of church and state. Neither the kings nor the clergy viewed the two as separate domains. Instead they saw the two in much the same way as the ancient Jews and many contemporary Muslims view relationship—as an inseparable amalgam. However there was much debate over who could best protect and manage the amalgamated entity. In this case Alcuin was arguing that Charlemagne could ensure the well-being of the church better than the Pope. The power struggle went on for centuries between more or less able, powerful, and corrupt kings and popes.
At the time, the chief executive of these states were called Presidents because they presided over the legislature as well. This proclamation was issued before the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and the later ratification separating church and state. However, even after the Constitution was ratified some states continued to use state law to enforce the Christian Sabbath. That practice would continue in some places until the 2nd half of the 20th century.
The Islamic Holy Book even recommends against friendships with Christians and Jews. See {584381}.
This sura is used by moderate Muslims showing that The Prophet was somewhat tolerant of those who even mock the word of Allah. Nonetheless, most fundamentalist Muslims believe that anyone who mocks the word of Allah or His Prophet should be killed. Muhammad said not to sit with them—his modern followers too often call it heresy and want to kill them.
Bush made religion a driver of his Presidency and policies in a way far in excess of other American Presidents. See {633550}. There has always been some debate as to whether he actually believed that or he was just saying it to pander to the religious conservatives who formed an important component of his base.
