All those directives of the Qur'an, which relate to the collectivity of the Muslims, rather than the individuals are, in fact, directives addressed to the Muslim state. Directives like the implementation of punishments against criminals, fighting against persecution and oppression, maintenance of social and legal justice, protection of the rights of the minority groups etc. are all addressed to the Muslim states and need to implemented by the representatives of the state (i.e. the government). This obviously implies that the Qur'an does not only entail directives for individuals but also for the collectivity of the Muslims. The responsibility of the implementation and promulgation of all those directives, which relate to the collectivity of the Muslims, is on the rulers of the Muslims, which include the head of the Muslim state and his/her representatives. In case the Muslim rulers and their representatives do not implement the directives of the Shari`ah upon their Muslim subjects, they shall be held answerable, on the Day of Judgment, for their avoidance and aversion toward the directives of the Shari`ah . The responsibility of the common Muslims even in such a situation is to obey the rulers and to avoid the promotion of a state anarchy in the Muslim state. The only exception to the rule of complete obedience toward the rulers is when submission to their command entails disobedience toward a clear directive of the Shari`ah . For instance, if the rulers direct the Muslims to refrain from attending to their prayers or from fasting etc., the Muslims, in such a situation, are not bound to submit to the directives of their rulers. The Muslims, nevertheless, are allowed to make all such efforts, which are within the recognized legal framework of the society to change their rulers. For instance, in a democratic society, the Muslims may try to change their rulers through the ballot. Finally, in such a situation, it is the responsibility of all such people, who have a voice in the society and are heard by the rulers to remind those in authority of their duties toward the Almighty and of the Day, when they shall be held answerable for the use of every bit of the authority that they were bestowed with during the life of this world. It must be kept in mind that the responsibility of implementing and promulgating the directives relating to the collectivity of the Muslims is only upon the rulers and representatives of the collectivity. Just as a common Muslim is not responsible for the deeds of his neighbor, if that neighbor does not live his life in accordance with the directives of the Shari`ah , except to remind that neighbor of his duties toward the Almighty and of the grave accountability that is close at hand, in the same manner, a common Muslim is not liable for the misdeeds of his rulers. He may, if he has a chance, try to change the rulers, remaining within the legal framework of the society. However, such efforts for change are, by no means, a religious obligation upon the common Muslim. December 9, 2000 Answer published by Moiz Amjad