Reexamining the Caliphate: Authority and Political Theory

The essay by Reza Pankhurst explores the decline of the caliphate up until its formal abolition in 1924, highlighting its transformation from a powerful institution to a mere symbolic figurehead. The caliphate originally served as a centralized political authority in Islam but became hereditary over time. Pankhurst discusses the historical and theoretical frameworks surrounding the caliphate, including differing views on its selection, authority, and legitimacy. The analysis reveals the complex evolution of Islamic political theory regarding governance, reflecting waning popular involvement in leadership selection and advocating for a potentially reformed model grounded in the original principles of shared authority among Muslims.

Let’s Be Real – A Response

Dr Reza Pankhurst critiques the podcast with Dr. Yasir Qadhi, arguing that real change for the Muslim ummah cannot come from within the current world order, which serves Western interests. The establishment of an Islamic state (Khilafa) is deemed crucial for defending and uniting Muslims, contrasting YQ's view of it as a low-priority, idealistic goal.

Implications of Selling Oil for Gold (1/3)

Shifting oil sales from the Petrodollar to gold would drastically alter global financial dynamics. Nations would accumulate gold instead of US dollars, possibly devaluing the dollar and boosting gold demand and price volatility. This could challenge US economic hegemony and introduce global economic uncertainty. There might be a push towards a new gold-based trade standard, affecting trade balances, monetary policies, and potentially leading to more stable but expensive oil prices. International trade agreements would likely need renegotiation to adapt to these changes.