The Structure of the Administrative System during the Era of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Abstract

Background and Objective: Governance and administrative systems constitute important aspects of social life, particularly in the contemporary era, where diverse ideas, schools of thought, and systems increasingly intersect. Since Islamic Sharia is comprehensive and all-encompassing, it provides its own principles and rules for various spheres of life, including politics and governance. The primary sources of Islam, particularly the Qur’an and Sunnah, strongly emphasize the existence of and adherence to such systems. During his lifetime, the Prophet Muhammad ^{(peace be upon him)} established comprehensive models of political governance and administration to serve as a guiding framework for the Muslim community in the fields of politics and management. The present study seeks to explain and analyze the administrative system and organizational structure established and left as a legacy by the Prophet Muhammad ^{(peace be upon him)}.

Method:This study employs a descriptive approach and an analytical method, drawing on library-based sources.

Findings: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) presented the Muslim community with a comprehensive model of Islamic politics and governance. This system reached maturity over the eleven years of the Prophet’s life following the Hijrah to Medina and developed through three stages. During this period, various administrative institutions were established and developed according to the circumstances and needs of the society at the time. These included the ministry, army, judiciary, *hijabah* (access administration), *hisbah* (market and public-order supervision), envoys or the administration of international relations, and administrative units established in regions distant from Medina.

Conclusion: The Messenger of Allah ^{(peace be upon him)} established a comprehensive model of governance that serves as a framework for subsequent generations to develop Islamic systems of governance by following his example. Examining this system demonstrates not only its organizational structure but also the important principle that systems of governance and organizational structures are established and developed in accordance with the circumstances and needs of society, since their ultimate purpose is to promote human well-being and improve people’s religious and worldly affairs. Furthermore, since the existence of a comprehensive system of governance established by the Prophet Muhammad ^{(peace be upon him)} is historically established, denying the existence of an Islamic administrative system amounts to overlooking reality and rejecting an established fact. Nevertheless, excess and exaggeration in this regard are also inconsistent with the Prophet’s method and Sunnah.