Throughout the history, scholars of Islamic Jurisprudence have provided us with very deep studies about the role of state based on their accurate understanding of the Holy Quran and the Prophet’s Tradition. In short, they summarized the role of state by safeguard of faith and the administration of world’s politics. By safeguarding the faith, the state insure the freedom of faith and religious practice. However, the administration of politics has too many aspects with ever developing opinions according to places and times. Nevertheless, however different such opinions are, they must preserve the main goals of Sharia being protection of lives, religion, minds, property, offspring, and the homeland.

The modern jurisprudence of state building has found its manifestation in the foundation of the UAE. The founder of our Nation, HH the late sheikh Zayed BIN Sultan Al Nahyan, the First President of the UAE, along with other Rulers, has managed to build a modern, advanced, strong and proud state that put human beings at first. Thanks to his vision, locals and expats, residents and visitors, live together under the umbrella of developed constitution derived from deep and accurate understanding of Islamic principles. Such principles put at their core the respect of human dignity, the fact that is clearly stated in the holy Quran, “We Have Dignified the Children of Adam”. Or as it is stated in other verse: “O mankind! We created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you”. The government of my state has had its own practical translation of this principle of respect among people: They are equal in rights and giving regardless of their faith, race, gender, or origin. Moreover, the Holy Quran, and the Islamic Jurisprudence of course, states clearly that “there shall be no compulsion in the acceptance of the religion”. Accordingly, the UAE laws is designed to protect the right of belief, respect of all religions, and freedom of religious practice. The Nation continues its work to promote among its citizens the values of tolerance and giving, reinforce justice and welfare, develop its community through science and knowledge, advance its worldwide standing as competitive and innovative country. On international level, the UAE builds on such traditions to reinforce its international relations based on cooperation and mutual respect, winning to it people outstanding reputation as lovers of peace and goodwill.

Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments