Muhammad Asad’s Concept of An Islamic State

Abstract

Mohammad Asad (originally Leopold Weis) acquired popularity as a diplomat, writer, journalist, social critic, linguist, translator of the Qur'an and author of one of the most outstanding inspirational autobiographies. He was a totally dedicated Muslim whose life purpose was the cultural, intellectual, and spiritual awakening of the world's Muslims. Islam became his life's plan in order to attain these goals. He proposed that a contemporary Islamic republic should be founded on a modern political system that complies with the Quran and Sunnah and the political, social, and economic realities of the moment. However, he favoured the presidential style of administration because he believed it would more closely adhere to the requirements of an ideal Islamic state. The purpose of this study is to examine his concept of an Islamic state in light of his renowned book, Principles of State and Government in Islam.