The Holy Quran states that some among the rulers are such that: 1

That is, there are many rulers and kings in the world, who when they assume power — that is, when they acquire authority by employing God-given capacities — they run about in the land to create disorder in it instead of serving the country and its inhabitants. Their activities create disturbances and disorder between different tribes, nations and religious groups, and result in economic disruption, cultural degradation, and the ruin of future generations.

This verse points out that there are rulers and kings who gain authority because of God-given faculties. However, once in power, instead of serving their country or its people, and establishing peace and security, they introduce measures that lead to conflict between people of different countries, tribes and religions, and create chaos in the land. They also adopt ways that destroy the country’s social and economic fabric and bring ruin to future generations.

The word harth in the Quranic verse literally means an ‘agricultural crop’, but here it is used figuratively with a wider connotation to all resources of economic development and financial well-being. The reference is to the rulers who do not adopt measures appropriate for economic growth and financial improvements of their people, but, instead, make laws that destroy the country’s society, its economy and its financial situation. In this way, they create obstacles for the progress of future generations and make laws that deprive them of the capacity and knowledge needed for growth and development. God reminds us: ‘Allah loves not disorder’. Thus, He regards such sovereigns and rulers with displeasure, and worthy of divine chastisement.

The conclusion from the above verse is that, according to Islam, the rulers, in the true sense of the word, are those that provide peace, improve economic well-being of their subjects, make their lives secure, and do not squander the country’s resources in unnecessary wars resulting in wanton loss of life. In other words, the State is obligated to ensure peace, security and well-being of its citizens.