82. Will the Kingdom of God replace the Government of my nation?

The Kingdom of God will not replace the government of your nation until the time that Jesus Christ returns to the earth in the power of His glorious might. In Revelation 11 verses 15 – 18 it states: ‘The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever. And the twenty four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: ‘We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. The nations were angry; and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great, and for destroying those who destroy the earth.’ ’(NASB).

The further unfolding drama of end-time events is also recorded in Revelation 17 verses 12-14, 17: ‘The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called chosen and faithful followers….’ Verse 17: ‘For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule, until God’s words are fulfilled.’

Finally in Ephesians 1 verses 18 – 23 Paul gives us a glimpse of the scope of Christ’s power and authority: ‘I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.’

Islâm is a holistic faith that encapsulates religious and political ideas into its faith and practice. The state is intended to be inseparable from religious life and rule. Although many Muslims are loyal to the governments of non-Muslim countries they live in, taking oaths of allegiance to the sovereign of that country, and singing the National Anthem with respect, they do so against the teaching of the Qur’an. Islâmic Law is complete and is not intended to live alongside any other legal system. Muslims are not meant to be ruled by non-Muslims. Muslims are required to resist by any means the rule of unbelievers until Islâm establishes its supremacy. This does not mean that everyone has to be forced to become Muslims but they must submit to Islâmic rule and law. For references to this teaching in the Qur’an, see the following references: 3:28; 4:59; 4:123; 4:141; 5:30; 5:59;18:26; 19:64; 28:17; 63:8.

The views of end times events, as held by a section of the Muslim community, are detailed in question 21 ‘Who is Al Madhi?’