The Theoretical Authority of the Quran and Just Governance

This article examines the role and position of the Quran in shaping just Islamic governance. By distinguishing between the concepts of government and governance, it emphasizes the importance of just governance as a fundamental characteristic of the Islamic political system. Using a combined analytical-descriptive and jurisprudential inference methodology, the study explores the concept of social justice and its place in governance. It then draws upon a methodic inference and understanding of Quranic verses related to equity and justice to account for the Quran's theoretical authority in establishing just governance. The findings reveal that justice holds a universal moral value, and the Quran emphasizes this universality. Justice is recognized as the highest social value in the Islamic system, and its establishment is a social obligation requiring the participation of government institutions, the private sector, and civil society. Additionally, the personal qualifications of the officials, cultural preparation of society, and the creation of appropriate structures are crucial factors in achieving just governance. The article also examines inequality from the Quranic perspective, emphasizing that spiritual inequalities should not lead to worldly privileges, and unjust social disparities are managed through Islamic charitable practices and taxes. The article concludes that just Islamic governance requires a deep understanding of Quranic verses, a correct grasp of the concept of justice, public participation, the utilization of human knowledge, and efforts to reduce unjust inequalities. The theoretical authority of the Quran does not imply neglecting human reason, intellect, or empirical experiences.