The Purpose of the State

Matt Welch: How is it that Muslims within this specific tradition humble the Sultan or the political leader? Well, I think just, you know, again, because I said that in this particular synthesis of Sunism, the law is the most important mediator. So if when the ruler goes beyond what the law permits, he's quite literally no longer a ruler. In order to act as a Sultan, you have to be acting in a way that is consistent with the law. That's sort of how I would explain that answer or answer your question.