What Islamic scholars say about non-Muslim leadership

KUALA LUMPUR, 14 AUGUST 2026 —

KUALA LUMPUR — Views that completely forbid non-Muslims from holding leadership positions are typically rooted in the Salafi-Takfiri perspective, according to Islamic scholars, while mainstream interpretations are more inclusive and context-sensitive.

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb, stated that any Muslim or non-Muslim can lead a society or country if they are trustworthy, adding that citizens—Muslim and non-Muslim alike—have a duty to oppose leaders who transgress or act untrustworthily. Former Egyptian Grand Mufti Sheikh Ali Jum’ah similarly argued that competence and integrity should determine leadership selection, citing the example of electing Members of Parliament (MPs).

He suggested that voters should prioritize a candidate’s administrative record over religious affiliation, comparing leadership to property management where trustworthiness and efficiency are key.

While some traditional scholars cite Quranic verses such as Surah An-Nisa (verse 141) and Surah Al-Ma’idah (verse 51) to argue that non-Muslims should not hold supreme authority, many contemporary Islamic institutions distinguish between historical religious caliphates and modern civil roles such as MPs or ministers. The majority of Muslim scholars in pluralistic societies now support the idea that non-Muslims may hold public office based on principles of justice, efficiency, and the protection of citizens’ rights.