I
n
the 1960s and 1970s, the army used to seize power in the developing
nations. The military felt they could run nations better than the
politicians of the time. Of course there are countries such as Pakistan
where, because of land-related conflicts with neighbours, the military
is never far-off from the corridors of power. Even in Pakistan and in
most developing nations people now recognise, military rule is
unmitigated disaster. The military is best to look after defence
matters.
The
question is: will the use of religion bring a good government for
Somalia? It is true, according to the Holy Qur’an we are required to
rule ourselves by the word of the Almighty. Unfortunately, many Muslims
confuse
Sharia (the judiciary) with public administration
(political matters). The judiciary is one of the pillars of the state.
Governing, like the Judiciary has its separate path. Normally a medical
doctor will not be a dentist; the same way a veterinarian is not a
physician trained to cure humans. Every field has its own path and
every field requires its specialists. That is why the Almighty wants
mankind to seek knowledge. In the
Hadith HASAN MASHHÛR – the Prophet impressed upon Muslims to seek knowledge no matter how far the distant
—
even as far as China:
"Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim."
In the 16th
century, the churches used to rule in Europe. It is now many centuries
since religion and politics have been separated in the West. We must
ask, why? The reason is because religion and politics are lethal mix.
Again we must ask, why? The problem is not religion. The problem is
man. Guns do not kill. It is man who uses them to kill. The use of
religion is subject to interpretation. Ten witnesses of one incident
are likely to tell ten different stories (versions). Man has issues and
flaws such as bias, attitude, greed, ego and many more. He or she also
had a certain upbringing and certain schooling. The person who rules
does not come out of a box like brand-new merchandise. An individual
has a background, which shaped one’s outlook and attitude. Another
important factor concerns values. Values come from one’s environment
and upbringing. Values (
qiyam) are cherished things such as
land, flag, nation etc. If one’s parent(s) were clannish, one is likely
to be clannish. Anyone can learn the entire Holy book by heart. One’s
fairness (fair-mindedness) and judiciousness does not come by the mere
reading of the holy book
—
they stem from other factors.
A
good government cannot be without positive criticism and constructive
dissent. Man is fallible and those who rule need to be told when they
are wrong. If mistakes are not mentioned how else will they be
addressed? Unfortunately, it is hard to criticize clerics who use
religion to rule. They will not tolerate dissent as they are likely to
believe their verdicts are divinely inspired. They will dismiss any
critic of their actions and will swing to swift action. What a man does
is done by man. It has nothing to do with divinity. In the eyes of the
Creator everybody is equal. And no-one is a direct representative of
God after the prophets.
The
Somali people applaud the peace agreement reached in Djibouti on 9 June
2008. It is a good start which paves the way for a lasting peace in
Somalia. The situation is very intricate and complex, but because of
the peace agreement a new beginning has been achieved. It looks the
Courts’ side which was a party to the negotiations have come a long
way. This peace agreement if unhindered will end the presence of the
Ethiopian forces in Somalia. The Somali people recognize that the
Courts’ leadership which has signed the peace accord has shown a
willingness to put the national interests above personal gain. The
people also recognize the endeavour of the TFG side headed by the Prime
Minister Nur Adde to bring a lasting peace to Somalia. It is not wise
to oppose this peace agreement at its embryonic stage. This would not
serve in the best interest of our nation. The continuation of violence
will only prolong the misery of our people and leave no option for
Ethiopian other than to remain in Somalia.
It
is always right to do what is in the best interest of our nation. We
love our religion. We also love our nation. We know what works.
Politics may not have delivered yet for the Somali people but that does
not mean politics is the wrong application. It will depend on who is
utilizing it. To govern well will no doubt require a deeper
understanding of politics. It is important those who rule to be told
when they are wrong. Good governing will need special skills. But any
organization which rules through the use of religion will not bring
Somalia any closer to the establishment of a better government. Let us
remind ourselves that it is humans who run things (including
governments)
—
not
holy books. Even the holy words are subject to interpretation. It is
not a secret that people interpret things differently. There is no
doubt the Islamic Courts, during their short spell in the capital, have
done a number of good things. They have also committed errors. Every
nation has its judiciary (courts). But judiciary is best when it
confines itself to legal matters. The question is: how to consolidate
the good aspects of the Islamic Courts in the new Somali State? Sheikh
Sharif has shown maturity as well as quick grasp of things. While
rigidity and obduracy are the signs of bad leadership, open-mindedness
and quick learning are the qualities of good leadership. In 2009, a
unity government headed by Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed is the way
forward. To form and run an effective government, the nation will also
require a capable Prime Minister. In my next piece let us explore how
such a unity government can give Somalia the best of both worlds.
Abdullahi Dool
