Question

I have a question regarding the obligations of the Islamic state with reference to the following Quranic verse:

[These believers are those who], if We grant them authority in this land, will establish regular prayers and pay zakat and enjoin what is virtuous and forbid what is evil. (22:41)

Now, upon the matter of the establishment of the regular prayers, what sort of  role is envisaged for the Islamic state. Is it sort of a facilitator or is it obligatory on the government and those in authority to establish the prayers by coercion? And if the case is the later, then will the government be held responsible on the Day of Judgment for act of some Muslim(s) not establishing their regular prayers?

Answer

The referred directive relates to the collective organization of Sala’h: the construction of mosques, the appointment and maintenance of Imams and those, who are required for the upkeep of the Mosques.

For details please refer to our previous answers.

No one has the authority to coerce people into offering prayers. However, the names of those who consistently and intentionally do not attend to their prayers, after being provided a right of clarifying their position can be removed from the list of the Muslims citizens of the Muslim state.

The representatives of the state shall not be accountable for the lack of praying of any of its citizens. However, the state shall indeed by accountable for not making adequate provision for the collective organization of prayers.

I hope this helps.

Regards,

Moiz Amjad
October 19, 2001