Should Muslim envisioned an Islamic State?

I have been taught that a Muslim should always strives to create an Islamic State. A state where the rules and laws laid down by Allah through the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are being enacted. And since young, I've always believed that being a Muslim it is my duty to ensure that the creation of an Islamic State is achieved. I used to believe that if we enact and implement the Syariah (along with Hudud), we will create an Islamic State, a State that is peaceful and at harmony with itself following the guidance of Allah and all problems will be solved.

But as I grew older, I realised that my naivety and simplistic idea in solving the woes of the community is laughable at best. I have forgotten that it took the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), 23 years of teaching, preaching and guiding to achieve an Islamic State, and from that period, nearly half it was not really successful in changing the people of Mecca.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), migrated from Mecca to Madinah, with the understanding that Islam will not flourish in an environment of unjust, fear, subjugation and tyranny. That was the main reason the Prophet (pbuh) migrated to Madinah. Madinah was a more peaceful and tolerant city, with more open minded society compared with Mecca. The Prophet were able to preach Islam in a safe and secure environment, while at the same time inquisitive minds were able to questions the Prophet (pbuh) himself on any ambiguities.

What does this have anything to do with an Islamic State?

Everything. For an Islamic State to be created, we first have to create a society that is open minded and inquisitive, a society that is peaceful, safe and secure, a society that is just and fair. These are the ingredients that will make Islam flourish. More important than rules, regulations, laws and forms in Islam are that of the self and the people. Should Muslim be able to espouse the Islamic principles of peace, justice, understanding and knowledge with oneself and society, the first step towards an Islamic State have already been taken.



Pic: Mosque in Bourke, NSW, Australia (picture taken from Wiki)