Umran Kadir in Islamic state term too nebulous is worried for the lack of definite form in his understanding of Islamic state. Would he have the same worry for the term "Islamic food", "Islamic dress", and "Islamic bank", too?

The fact is, there is no need for a definite form for things to be Islamic. They simply have to abide by the principles laid out by the Quran and the Sunnah. Two things could be different from each other, but both can still be Islamic. On the other hand, two things may look the same, but they could stand on the opposite ends from an Islamic perspective.

Just as 'halal food' could come in various looks and tastes, so too could an Islamic state. Needless to say, halal food could have a nasty taste if it is prepared by a nasty cook. Naturally, Muslims would hope for halal food which is delicious, nutritious, and healthy. But not everybody in this world would be given perfect choices all the time. Nonetheless, a Muslim would still be required to choose halal food over non-halal no matter what the taste or look would be.

An Islamic state is established based on certain guiding principles. It could exist in many different forms depending on appropriateness and suitability, be it in the form of a democracy, a kingdom, a republic, or even a military state. Surely, it is a false assumption that an Islamic state must exist in its theocratic form, as understood by many of its opponents. Historically, theocratic states existed only when Europe was ruled by churches. Theocracy is a totally alien concept to the Islamic world.

The guiding principles for an Islamic state are both inclusive (shared by other faiths) and exclusive (applicable only to Muslims). Unfortunately, Malaysia fails on both. Corruption, repressive laws and racial divides have clearly contradicted core Islamic values in our country. These are also objurgated by people of all faiths.

On the exclusive side of Islamic principles, Muslims should be allowed to implement syariah laws, fully and completely, for the administration of all their affairs. If Nigeria could grant this rights to its Muslim population, there is no reason for Malaysian Muslims should be denied the same right.

We can always change the cook if the food tastes bad, but the food must remain halal. Likewise, we can always change the people who run the country, as long as the guiding principles abide by Islamic teachings.