Source: Abu al-Hasan Al-Mawardi, The Ordinances of the Governme
Note: In 632, following the death of Muhammad, the first caliph (a spiritual ruler, sometimes called an imam) was
selected
to lead the Muslim community. Over the next three centuries, the duties of the caliph were firmly
established,
with the understanding that
the caliph would not delegate these duties to others. The excerpt
below, from a
book of Islamic law written by an Arab
judge in the 10th century,
outlines four of the ten public
duties of the caliph.
The Ordinances of Government
1. To maintain the religion according to established principles and the consensus
of the first generation
of Muslims. If... some dubious person deviates from
it, the Imam must clarify the proofs of religion
to him, expound that which
is
correct, and apply to him the proper
rules and penalties so that religion may
be
protected from injury and the community safeguarded
from error.
2. To execute judgments between litigants [people involved in lawsuits] and to
settle disputes between contestants so that justice may prevail and so
that
none
commit or suffer injustice.
3. To defend the lands of Islam and to protect them from intrusion so that people
may earn their livelihood and travel at will without danger to life or property.
y either become Muslims or enter
the Pact* so that God's truth may prevail over every religion.

Document Analysis
1. What responsibility is given to the caliph in the first duty?