Defining the abode of Islam from the abode of disbelief

Question : What is the abode of Islam and the abode of Allah? If in this town the outward signs of Islam are manifest—the adhan, the congregation, the Friday prayer, fasting, and the festivals—all the outward signs of Islam are present, but its rulers rule by law, deliberately and intentionally, do we say this is a land of Islam or a land of disbelief?

Answer : We say it is a land of Islam because the outward appearance is that of Islam. If they fall short or transgress, that does not turn it into a land of disbelief. And wherever the disbelievers have dominion, it is a land of disbelief, even if there are people in it who rule by Islam. Is that clear? This is the definition of the abode of Islam: the abode of Islam is where the signs of Islam are manifest and its people are Muslims, regardless of the rulers; the rulers have their own account. By this, we know the error of those who say that in the lands of Muslims where their rulers rule by law, it is a land of disbelief. This is a serious matter.