Federalism: The Foundation of Islam’s Political System

The new Syrian regime and its pundits deny Syrian minority groups and sects—such as the Alawites, Druze, Kurds, and others—the legitimacy of discussing federalism, self-governance, or autonomy. Instead, they advocate for the establishment of a highly centralized government, one that is arguably even more centralized than the Baathist regime at its various stages, both before and after Assad’s rule. Their perspectives originate from Islamic thought, specifically its two main schools: Salafism and Ash’arism. They claim to base their views on Islamic principles related to governance, politics, and administration.
The new regime’s preference for centralized governance is explicitly evident in the constitutional declaration of March 13, 2025. This document clearly articulated their views, advocating a centralized authority where the ruler holds absolute power without contestation or opposition. Consequently, Syrian minorities and non-Sunni Arab communities are relegated to second- or third-class citizenship. They are denied political, economic, and administrative rights under the pretext that all matters must revert to the central authority, which monopolizes decision-making.
Driven by my commitment to truth and understanding of Islamic governance principles, I find it necessary to critique the new regime’s claims using its own foundational principles. I will hold them accountable to their professed doctrines and demonstrate that federalism aligns fundamentally with the nature of the Islamic political system. Furthermore, it must be recognized that federalism is an intrinsic part of Islamic tradition and history—so much so that denying or rejecting it amounts to denying explicit Quranic verses, authentic prophetic traditions (Sunnah), and essential historical precedents set by Islam’s Prophet, practices established by Abu Bakr, and administrative policies solidified by Umar ibn al-Khattab.