Sociological evaluation of early Islamic societies with respect to social control practices

This study aims to establish and evaluate social control practices in the first Islamic society, if there is any. Accordingly, documentation relevant to control practices at the periods of Prophet Mohammad and Rashidun was investigated and analyzed by employing descriptive analysis method. To fully define the scope, we established conceptual framework of surveillance and social control mechanism and discussed various aspects of the definitions. Findings of the study were reported within this framework by analyzing social, administrative, and economical aspects of social control practices. Similarities and differences of control practices in the first Islamic society to the pre-modern and modern practices were highlighted. The examples given in the study were analyzed in accordance with the conceptual framework of social control. Obtained findings indicated the presence of social control practices that are characteristic to the first Islamic society. Such practices that matched with the requirements of the time and conditions were observed during Prophet Mohammad and Rashidun. Even when practiced by ruling class, social control was not inquisitive and systematic.