ABSTRACT
The affairs of men in this world can be kept order with justice and a certain connivance in sin, better than with pious tyranny. This is why it has been said that God upholds the just state even if it is unbelieving, but does not uphold the unjust state even if it is Muslim. It is also said that the world can endure with justice and unbelief, but not with injustice and Islam. The Prophet, on him be peace, said: ‘No sin is more swiftly punished than oppression and the breaking of family ties.’ For the oppressor is struck down in this world, even if he may be forgiven and receive mercy in the Hereafter. The reason for all this is that justice is the universal order of things. So when worldly administration is just, it works. 1
