What is the definition of the civil state in Islam?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Oct 24, 2026
The term "civil state" is a modern one, used in contrast to a military state, and it refers to a state governed by non-military personnel. It is often applied to a state governed by an elected class through a democratic system. The state in Islam is based on specific foundations and principles that differ entirely from the democratic system, even if they may agree on some matters. Therefore, one must be cautious about using such terms so that truth is not confused with falsehood.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/77264
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 77264
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy