Salamun Alaikum.
Please see my responses below to your questions:
(1) As I am sure you will appreciate, the Quran is not a book of politics. However, it provides multifaceted guidance as to how people and communities should conduct themselves within the ambit of righteousness and within the scope of all walks of life. Politics here will be no different.
(2) The Quran recognises boundaries / kingdoms of a people and communities in many narratives. The concept of geographical boundaries is an accepted part of societal existence and flux.
(3) To lead by example and in light of a Godly system. The examples of many Prophets are present in the Quran such as those of Prophet’s David and Solomon who ruled vast kingdoms. The following verses capture the essence of what is required in leadership.
021.072-73
“And We bestowed on him Isaac and, as an additional gift, (a grandson), Jacob, and We made righteous men of every one (of them). And We made them leaders (Arabic: Immatun), guiding (men) by Our Command, and We sent them inspiration to do good deeds, to establish regular prayers, and to practice regular charity; and they constantly served Us (and Us only)”
032.023-24
“We did indeed give the Book to Moses: be not then in doubt of its reaching (thee): and We made it a guide to the Children of Israel. And We appointed, from among them, leaders (Arabic: Immatun), giving guidance under Our command, so long as they persevered with patience and continued to have faith in Our Signs”.(4) The requirement for consultation in its widest remit at all levels is at the heart of many Quranic narratives. 'Dictatorships' against the will of a people are arguably not within the spirit of the Quran's guidance. Please see related article
[1] below.
(5) No human is perfect. One votes usually to express their opinion as to who is 'best placed' to lead given the options available.
THE QXPIn response to your last question, I find that the QXP
is not intended to be a translation of the Quran, even though often I have noted it to be passed off as one. Please note the statement by Dr. Shabbir himself who also at times portrays his rendition as a 'translation'.
"
QXP - TRANSLATION BY SHABBIR AHMED, M.D."
http://www.galaxydastak.com/cgi-bin/bbs60x/webbbs_config.pl/md/read/id/314123119178862http://quransmessage.com/(7)%20Updates/links/Dr.%20Shabbir%20-%20QXP%20Translation.pdf In my view, the
QXP is at best a part translation
fused with numerous
interpolations based on the views of the author's (Dr. Shabbir’s) personal theological position. For a reader of QXP who has limited or no knowledge of Arabic, the demarcation between 'translation' and 'interpolation'
would be almost impossible to discern in
casual reading. I personally find much in the QXP
without warrant.For those that do not understand Arabic sufficiently to understand the Quran, I would rather recommend the use of multiple translations in their own language to obtain the gist of the message. For example, the following site is popular with many English readers.
http://www.islamawakened.com/quran/I hope that helps, God willing.
Joseph.
RELATED ARTICLE[1] CONSULTATIONhttp://quransmessage.com/articles/consultation%20FM3.htm