The Role of Government in Islam Vs. The Bible

God and Allah differ greatly on the role of government. Christians understand that the government is given by the Lord to punish evil and to reward obedience.

The best example of this is found in Romans 13:1-8.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good.

But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

But in the Qu'ran, the commands of Allah are more important. Sura 4:59 says, "O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you dispute over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is best, and a most excellent determination."

Since Islam is a theocratic religion, only what Allah and his prophet said applies. Sura 5:47 instructs, "So let the people of the Gospel rule according to what Allah revealed in it. Those who do not rule according to what Allah revealed are the sinners."

In Christianity however, only laws preventing us from worshipping the Lord or commanding us to do something contrary to his commandments are what we must disobey.

I'll be writing more about this in my next book called You Think You're Going to Heaven? In all matters other than what Christ has taught us, we must obey our secular leadership. We don't take the law into our own hands as the Qu'ran prescribes to the followers of Allah.