Rational and Scriptural Foundations of Oversight of Power in Islam

Abstract

Oversight of power is a key concept in Islamic political thought, one that is supported both by sound reason and rooted in scriptural texts. This article, employing a descriptive-analytical approach, examines the rational and scriptural foundations of oversight of power within the Islamic intellectual framework. In the section on rational foundations, arguments such as the rational obligation of justice, the conceptualization of power as a trust, the necessity of preventing despotism, and the requirement for rulers to be accountable are explored. The scriptural foundations include an analysis of verses from the Holy Quran, the conduct (Sirah) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), particularly the Covenant of Malik al-Ashtar, as well as authoritative hadiths concerning enjoining good and forbidding wrong, advising rulers, consultation (Shura), and auditing state officials. The findings indicate that in Islam, oversight of power is not merely a political right but a universal and multi-layered duty to safeguard justice and human dignity. This oversight manifests a synthesis of rationality and devotion through mechanisms such as Hisbah, Shura, the judiciary, and the Guardianship of the Jurist (Wilayat al-Faqih).                                                                                  

Keywords: Oversight of Power, Rational Foundations, Scriptural Foundations, Enjoining Good and Forbidding Wrong, Consultation (Shura), Hisbah, Justice.