Cooperation in Islamic international relations : a conceptual framework

Abstract

This thesis examines the question of cooperation between Muslims and non~Muslims. It develops a consistent framework that explains areas, purpose and restrictions of cooperation with non-Muslims. To answer this question the following questions are crucial to be introduced: does the global nature of Islam mean an endless effort to expand the rule of Islam on the Earth by all means? Does it mean an endless effort to propagate and support Islamic Universal Values on the Earth? Do political principles in the Quran consider the existence of political powers other than the Islamic or do they call for elimination of any non-Muslim political power? As analytic research, this study depends on the Quran, the Sunnah and contributions of Muslim scholars on the issue. The research starts by deducing political principles from the Quran and the Hadith and then constructs a conceptual framework on them. Ta'awun, tadafu', wala, ikhtilaf, tadawul, and fasad present a set of interrelated political concepts analyzed and employed in constructing this perspective. A deeper reading in the Quran and the Sunnah shows that the ultimate mission of any Islamic State is to expand and support Universal Islamic Values and not to enforce the rule of Islam. The Quran considers ikhtilaf disagreement, tadawul rotation of victory, and tadafu' defence as three sunan social laws in human life. On those bases, the study ends that cooperation with non-Muslims is encouraged, as it is constructed on virtue and piety for maintenance of life and freedom of religion, as long as non-Muslims are committed to those Islamic values, life and freedom of religion.