Journal of Philosophy, Culture and Religion www.iiste.

org
ISSN 2422-8443 An International Peer-reviewed Journal
Vol.17, 2016

The Administration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Its

Impact on the Contemporary States
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ahmed Qadri
Department of Political Science, University of Karachi, Karachi Pakistan

Suwaibah Qadri
Department of Political Science, University of Karachi, Karachi Pakistan

Dr Lubna Ahsan
Department of International Relations, FUUAST, Karachi Pakistan

Abstract
This paper aims to analyze the administration during the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and illustrate its
importance in today’s times. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) had introduced basic norms of Public Administration
and practically presented an administrative model for the experts of Management Sciences disciplines. Many of
the rules and regulations he (PBUH) laid out, in accordance to the Quranic command, ended up coinciding with
the contemporary policies used today in many nations and even in the United Nations. He (PBUH) commanded
his nation with honor, justice, equality, peace, and respect to humanity. All of these principles were practiced by
him (PBUH) centuries before the contemporary world attempted to rule politics in a similar way. Thus, it can be
said that many western countries have borrowed these basic principles of governmental rule from the first
Islamic Welfare State of Madina.
Keywords: Islamic Public Administration, Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Islamic State, Madina, Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) as a ruler

Introduction
If we investigate the Holy Prophet in how he was holding so much important responsibility as the Head of the
State, then we learn to confer at every occasion that he, as the great benefactor, bravely performed legal and
political heroic deeds which are examples of their own in the world of deeds. 1
He (PBUH) was the head of state as the legal assistant of Almighty Allah and commander in chief of
the army. He (PBUH) was the chief of justice and chief supervisor of economics; Almighty Allah was their only
trustee. All duties of collective life, the department, and all officers, after creating an organized and established
center, were busy in their works. His (PBUH) valuable personality was fulfilling these hopes of human society, a
society out of which everyone was going to become exemplary. As the vicegerent of Allah, his (PBUH)
attainments are marvelous. Because of him (PBUH), new principles, order, instructions, and basic organization
showed their beautiful faces on the grounds of these ancient national concepts were introduced with a new and
balanced system.2

The Holy Prophet’s Administration:

Holy Prophet (PBUH), as the administrator of active government in the formation of human society, organized
an Islamic university, established an Islamic government, and performed remarkable deeds and these are in short:
1. He (PBUH) cleared the government from all kind of administrative mistakes or corruption which
usually can be seen in today’s states or administrations. For this purpose he (PBUH) purified the
hearts and minds of the people spiritually and socially. In this way, he (PBUH) was able to properly
train and guide his (PBUH) people (companions). Enforcing these practicable laws of nature with
genuine justice and true moderation made the government an example for the rest of the world.
2. After debarring the ideology of autocracy from the world of faith and action, he (PBUH) declared the
government a “grand state” and inserted so much simplicity in its nature that kings and their unlimited
power were rejected. Chamberlain and door keeper, officers of big salaries, and bribe receivers were
all vanished.
3. He (PBUH) enforced the genuineness of justice because of which to obtain justice became easy and
inexpensive for all. The purpose of justice was to declare the support of the weak and low class and
encourage mutual compromise among the parties of case. He (PBUH) followed Quranic instructions
because Allah loves justice. He (PBUH) proved himself, by enforcing and encouraging the idea that

1
For further details, please consult Ibn-e-Ishaq and Ibn-e-Hishaam, the Arabic books on the Life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)
2
Syed Shamim Hussain Qadri. Islamic State in the Light of Quran and Sunnah, Ulema Academy Publication Department
Auqaf, Lahore 1984, p.112

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Journal of Philosophy, Culture and Religion www.iiste.org
ISSN 2422-8443 An International Peer-reviewed Journal
Vol.17, 2016

everyone is accountable to Allah and the society.

4. He (PBUH) announced the equality of human rejects and determined the states of citizens and imposed
appropriate taxes. He (PBUH) also proposed a permanent name for each tax. He (PBUH) appointed
financial officers for this and established the officer of finance. It means that he (PBUH) established a
comprehensive finance management system by creating specialized positions in the society to ensure
the proper equality within the society. He (PBUH) preferred to always select people for the
governmental offices on the basis of merit and specialization in the subject which can be seen in
today’s Human Resource Management Sciences.
5. The wealth acquired by the collective efforts was declared the wealth of masses. This was made law for
the government wealth, that taxes would be imposed upon the rich and spared for the poor. It means
that the political economy was based on economic justice and law of equality, as Allah has created
poor and rich in the society with a responsibility to the government to make justice among these two
different classes which are called have and have not categories. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) practically
improved the living quality of the poor class including slaves and jaria (women slaves) by spending
money upon them with such a manner in which their honor and respect in the society was not hurt. 1
6. He (PBUH) established administrative circles. Madina was declared the capital of the Islamic State.
Officers were appointed for the various parts of the Islamic territory. The standard requirement of
appointment was that the officer should know the nature of the work. The government ensured that
they brought to the notice of the newly appointed officer, the nature of the job and the responsibility
regarding any decision making as per Quran and Sunnah. The Head of the State, the Holy Prophet
(PBUH) never considered blood relationships or social influences at the time of appointment of such
officers. He (PBUH) set an example, a standard to be followed in the future. Contemporary national
states follow the same criteria of administration as the Holy Prophet (PBUH) has already practiced
during his (PBUH) period. For such appointments he (PBUH) used to consult with his companions
and verify the character of the officer before the declaration of appointment or responsibility. The
same occurs in the contemporary states and administration.
7. He (PBUH) declared the Principle of Consultation as per Quranic order “and make consultation
regarding your affairs.” 2 After creating centralization of power and stability in the temperament of
government, he (PBUH) ordered that all government work should be decided in the light of
consultation. It has been proven that the holy Prophet (PBUH), during his (PBUH) period of
government, never declared himself authoritarian because he (PBUH) rejected the society of
authoritarians, hypocrites, and upper and lower classes. He (PBUH) believed that the best way of
administration was to have regular meetings with the Cabinet of the State (government officials), and
consultation with the top ten companions who were given the news of getting forgiveness and being
promised Jannah in their lives (known as “Ashra-e-Mubashshira”) were considered, in contemporary
political science terms, as members of the Senate, the upper house of the state. While the Prophet
(PBUH) used to have his (PBUH) general meeting with the common members of the society in his
(PBUH) Mosque; this kind of meeting, as per definition of the subject of political science, can be
explained as the House of Representatives. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) equally accepted the advice and
suggestions of all the members of the Senate as well as the House of Representatives. The Holy
Prophet (PBUH) welcomed advice not only from senior members of the society, but equally gave
importance to the advice from the youth and women of the society. Additionally, he (PBUH)
consulted with special people (disabled) in order to ensure that they were also included in the process
of consultation or decision making for the state.
8. He (PBUH) organized the military system and participated in nine battles and eighteen defensive
expeditions. He (PBUH) ordered thirty-nine military expeditions to go forward. He (PBUH) also
appointed military commanders and initiated the ways and rules of humanity during war. 3 These rules
included: never light farming fields on fire, do not cut down any trees or harm nature, do not fight with
those who are not fighting back, and have respect for women, children, and the disabled, as well as,
those who were either against wars by their government or declared that they were not part of such
wars and closed the doors of their homes. The most important principles of war set by the Holy
Prophet (PBUH) was to not disrespect the body of the dead enemy by running them over with their
horses and once an area was conquered, do not mistreat the captives or prisoners of war by dragging
them across the ground, hanging them from trees, or making them undress. These basic principles can

1 Mohammad Ahmed Qadri. Islamic Public Administration: Theory and Practice, Department of Political Science, University
of Karachi, 1989, p. 77
2 Holy Quran, Al-Imran (3:159)

3
Molana Habid Ansari Ghazi. System of Government of Islam, Maktaba Al-Hussain, Lahore, n.d. pp.96, 97

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Journal of Philosophy, Culture and Religion www.iiste.org
ISSN 2422-8443 An International Peer-reviewed Journal
Vol.17, 2016

be seen in the contemporary international law, as well as, in the municipal laws of various nations.
The United Nations has also worked on such principles and declared, at various levels, the same
principles by different notifications regarding respect of humanity or under the charter of human rights.
9. He (PBUH) wrote letters to the Kings, Rulers of the States, and the Lords, inviting them to accept Islam
due to its universal message. He (PBUH) proved that he (PBUH) was not after any wealth or state
power, but rather wanted to bring people back to the first social contact which was made between God
and human beings. The letters sent to the various ruling bodies, proved his (PBUH) boldness, honesty,
and respect for human beings. His (PBUH) letters and the principles of Kitaab-us-Siyar (Islamic
International Law) are the best sources to understand the intention of the Head of the Islamic State,
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). His (PBUH) letters practically showed the humbleness of character,
respect for the neighboring countries, and honor for the office of the Head of the State. None of the
letters, written to such authorities, can be produced as direct or indirect threats to other states or an
attempt at an expansion of power into their territories. An impartial analysis would reveal that such
ambassadorial letters were only soft reminders to request them to remember the promise they made to
God and enter into the circle of Islam as it was the message of Allah conveyed through the Messenger
of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Today’s national states, through their foreign policies, or
media statements usually threaten their neighboring countries and if they have an opportunity to enter
into the territory of any country they do not respect international law. For example, we can see in
Europe and some developing countries. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) never wanted to expand the
territory of his state, but rather he (PBUH) wanted to promote the message of peace and tolerance for
the humanity in the world.
The basic concepts were to seek the Consent of Allah, Prosperity of Hereafter, and the good will of the
public and in fact the results were beneficial and pleasant. His (PBUH) success set an example for the future
generations, and even without knowing, the contemporary state politics and government follow the same basic
principles, rules, and regulations that the Prophet (PBUH) had started, in accordance with the Quran and Sunnah,
so many centuries before. The fact that these policies are used in today’s times justifies all the administrative
actions that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) took in his (PBUH) time period.
By the will of Allah, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) initiated holy wars against those who were bitter
enemies or in opposition and wished to ruin the Islamic State. The Battle of Badar, Hudabia, Hunain, and
Khaybar, etc. were the best examples of the administration of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). 1 He (PBUH) appointed
commanders for the Islamic Forces, looking into the expertise in war strategy. When many areas were included
in the Islamic State due to the victory or of the embracing of Islam, he (PBUH) kept these basic principles before
him: if the leader has also embraced Islam, then he, the Prophet (PBUH), allowed that leader to continue. On the
other hand, if the leader had not accepted Islam, then another person was nominated. At the time of nomination,
it was observed how many Quranic verses were learned by heart from the candidates.
There was no department of politics and government in which he had not presented a principle or law.
Generally, every government performs its best administrative matters through administration, judiciary, and
legislature. There is no doubt that the Holy Prophet (PBUH), through his intelligence with the best
administration, laid down the base of Islamic Welfare State. During the period of the Prophet (PBUH), the
concept of judiciary legislature and administration were present, but these three were not performing their duties
separately. All three were properly utilized by the Prophet (PBUH) as per the revelation. Eventually these three
were amalgamated in each other when Maaz Bin Jabal, the companion of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), was made
the Representative of Yemen, the Administration, the decisions, the enforcement of laws, and receiving of taxes
were properly performed according to the rules set by the Prophet (PBUH). The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
sent Maaz Bin Jabal as the Representative of the Federal Government, who may be known as the Federal
Minister or Governor in contemporary terms, for the financial and administrative affairs in the province. Today’s
Federal Government performs the same duties as the Holy Prophet (PBUH) did during his (PBUH) time period,
sending a Governor for the provinces is a political convention and part of political culture. Such appointments
are legal and protected by the Federal Legislature. The Governor is called the Representative of the Federal
Government in the Province. The Holy Prophet (PBUH), sending such people as Governors to various provinces
of the Islamic State, proved that he promoted interaction between the Provincial Government and the Federal
Government to ensure that there was a balance of power between these two levels.
The strategy as Head of the Administration of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is an example for
today’s modern states. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) declared respect for life, property, and human honor. The
Quranic order was carried out as the Quran says “No nation shall make fun of another.” The Holy Prophet
(PBUH) clearly mentioned his administrative policy declaring that “another man’s possessions are prohibited for

1 Mohammad Aziz Ahmed. Islami Tareekh, Maktaba Tareekh, Karachi 1979, p.125

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Journal of Philosophy, Culture and Religion www.iiste.org
ISSN 2422-8443 An International Peer-reviewed Journal
Vol.17, 2016

a Muslim, just like his blood, property, and respect.” 1 The last sermon of the Prophet (PBUH), which is known
as “Hujjatul Wada” is the best example for the human rights. It is known as the Charter of Humanity because the
Prophet (PBUH) says that “your lives, your property, and your honor have the same respect as today (Day of
Arafah) has.” This Hadith exemplifies the importance of all these aspects of human beings. These same factors
can be seen, most important and highlighted, in the constitutions of the USA, UK, France, Switzerland, and the
rest of the world. The United Nation has also declared these principles most important for every individual of the
world. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) declares his administrative policy regarding state responsibility. He (PBUH)
says this is the Muslim who have received assurance of the safety of his life and property from Allah and His
Prophet (PBUH).
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) assures many individual freedom rights, including:
· Freedom is guaranteed as long as the individual is within the limits of not causing harm to others. This
means that every individual should be treated equally regardless of their social standing, their economic
status, or their political ties. The freedom is guaranteed under the promise that everyone will participate
in the society in a way that ensures that the community stays a safe and secure place for everyone.
· Additionally he (PBUH) said that no one is to be taken as a prisoner without proper justice. 2 This
principle has been adopted by the contemporary states. Municipal law of the state prohibits the
detainment of an individual in the police station or in the prison without any justification or proof. In
the present scenario we see many lawsuits in the developing countries, or sometimes even in the
developed countries, once the prisoner is detained illegally in the prison, the courts of the justice
system declare the government or the administration as the defaulter. This is because the governing
body has gone beyond its limits and this is called Modern English Law. While the Holy Prophet
(PBUH) has given respect to all individuals by the above mentioned principles.
· The importance of individual rights cannot be overstated. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said “since when
did you make the people of the society into slaves, while their mothers gave birth to them as free men.”
3
This principle of administration reveals that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was very much concerned
about the respect for individuals. Although the political scientists Benthem presented the Theory of
Individualism and the contemporary USA follows the same theory, the Prophet (PBUH) introduced this
theory and practically proved it by placing it into practice. This can be compared to the modern USA
Bill of Rights in which an individual’s most basic rights as an American, as well as, just a human being
are described and guaranteed. Similarly, Canadian law assures the Theory of Individualism through its
legislature and protects its citizens in the light of the same principle. The Holy Prophet (PBUH)
undoubtedly can be declared as the pioneer of this theory. Furthermore, the Holy Prophet (PBUH)
declares his policy regarding the respect of humanity and respect to an individual. He (PBUH) says,
“the worst people are those who buy and sell human beings.” 4
· The Prophet (PBUH) also had policies concerning the freedom of religion for an individual of the
society. Although he (PBUH) was the Messenger of Allah Almighty, he advocated that the people
would choose the religion their follow, without forcing them. The Quran says, “there is no forcefulness
in religion.” 5 This verse clearly states that Allah and His Messenger (PBUH) never wanted to
forcefully bring people towards the religion. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the Messenger of Allah
in that his (PBUH) duty was to spread the message of God, not forcefully convert the people of the
society to the religion.
· Equality is the most important phenomena in the promotion of political culture. Every state claims that
it provides opportunities of equality and equity to its citizen. It seems like a very novel idea, however
the Holy Quran, centuries before, stated, “So judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do
not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth.” 6 In this way, Allah has
made it mandatory for the state, especially the Judiciary, to be impartial during decision making. This
reference clarifies the Law of Equality and respect for humanity. A very interesting incident can be
quoted here in support of equality, once a woman from the tribe of Quraish stole something, and Hazrat
Osamah was sent by the tribe to request the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to concede for the woman. As
Hazrat Osamah began talking to the Prophet (PBUH), the Prophet’s (PBUH) facial expression changed,
and he addressed the people by telling them that before them, many nations fell into failure when a
poor person caught stealing was punished which a rich person caught stealing was spared. He (PBUH)

1 Imam Bukhari, Kitaab Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitaab-ul-Hajj, Kalam Book Depot, Karachi 1972, p.361
2
Imam Malik, Moatta, Noor Mohammad and Sons, Karachi 1962, p. 277
3
Ahsanalmahazir, Karachi, vol 2. p. 1
4 Tirmidhi-Kunoozul Haqaiq, p.66
5
Holy Quran, Al- Baqarah (2:256)
6 Holy Quran, Al-Maida (5:48)

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Journal of Philosophy, Culture and Religion www.iiste.org
ISSN 2422-8443 An International Peer-reviewed Journal
Vol.17, 2016

continued by swearing by Allah that if his own daughter were to steal, her hand would be cut off.1

Conclusion
In short, we also see the principles of social equality which negates all sorts of discrimination and the system of
upper and lower class. The Last Sermon of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the final declaration of these
principles. We also see economic equality in the society of Madina, the First Islamic State. He (PBUH) also
promoted and delegated the right of meetings and socio-political party making, but based on the principle of
propagation of Islamic teaching. Raising a voice against cruelty was considered a fundamental right of an
individual in the society. Furthermore, protection of other worship places, freedom of living, the right of
purchase of property, the right of education, the right of health, fundamental requirements of an individual, the
safety of highways, cleaning of streets and roads, appointment of public servants on the basis of merit,
supervision of public servants, protection of the boundaries of Islamic state, reformation of society, peace
keeping, justice for all, protection of law, and providing opportunities for the minority class were some of the
basic responsibilities of the public administration during the period of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). All the
principles discussed in this paper can be seen as essential parts of constitutions around the world. The United
Nations and other countries are anxious to ensure that the state is performing its duty and providing all these
facilities through the government. If any state fails to fulfill its duty to its people, there may be a resolution by
the international donors or international brotherhood. Recently, we have seen that some of the states cut off their
foreign relations with other states due to non compliance of such basic laws. The United Nations serves as a
watch dog, and the big donors want to see that all these declared principles are active among the nations. We see
all these principles active and beneficial in the year 2016, while the same principles were incorporated in the
Islamic State of Madina to provide basic facilities to its nation and create a peaceful environment in the world
through respect for humanity and every creation of Allah.

References
1. For further details, please consult Ibn-e-Ishaq and Ibn-e-Hishaam, the Arabic books on the Life of the Holy
Prophet (PBUH)
2. Syed Shamim Hussain Qadri. Islamic State in the Light of Quran and Sunnah, Ulema Academy Publication
Department Auqaf, Lahore 1984, p.112
3. Mohammad Ahmed Qadri. Islamic Public Administration: Theory and Practice, Department of Political
Science, University of Karachi, 1989, p. 77
4. Holy Quran, Al-Imran (3:159)
5. Molana Habid Ansari Ghazi. System of Government of Islam, Maktaba Al-Hussain, Lahore, n.d. pp.96, 97
6. Mohammad Aziz Ahmed. Islami Tareekh, Maktaba Tareekh, Karachi 1979, p.125
7. Imam Bukhari, Kitaab Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitaab-ul-Hajj, Kalam Book Depot, Karachi 1972, p.361
8. Imam Malik, Moatta, Noor Mohammad and Sons, Karachi 1962, p. 277
9. Ahsanalmahazir, Karachi, vol 2. p. 1
10. Tirmidhi-Kunoozul Haqaiq, p.66
11. Holy Quran, Al- Baqarah (2:256)
12. Holy Quran, Al-Maida (5:48)
13. Sahih-Muslim, Chapter: Cut off Hands of Thief, Karachi, 1981, p.60

1 Sahih-Muslim, Chapter: Cut off Hands of Thief, Karachi, 1981, p.60

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