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ArticlesOfTheIslamicFaithByGhazali, page : 208
the grave dilemma which would confront us.
Thus we have either to replace him by another and consequently
stir up strife, in which case the evil that will afflict the
Muslims will surpass any loss they may incur because of the
claimant's lack of piety and knowledge, qualifications designed
to promote the public welfare; but no one will destroy
the means of welfare in order to promote and enhance it, for
this will be just like the person who will erect a single
house and demolish a whole town. Or, we have to declare that
there is no caliph and consequently there is neither Religion
nor equity in the land, which is impossible.
We declare that the authority of unjust rulers should be enforced
in their land because of the urgent need for authority
therein. How, then, do we not declare a caliph legitimate when
Thus we have either to replace him by another and consequently
stir up strife, in which case the evil that will afflict the
Muslims will surpass any loss they may incur because of the
claimant's lack of piety and knowledge, qualifications designed
to promote the public welfare; but no one will destroy
the means of welfare in order to promote and enhance it, for
this will be just like the person who will erect a single
house and demolish a whole town. Or, we have to declare that
there is no caliph and consequently there is neither Religion
nor equity in the land, which is impossible.
We declare that the authority of unjust rulers should be enforced
in their land because of the urgent need for authority
therein. How, then, do we not declare a caliph legitimate when