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.

The Weighty Burden of Responsibility

Hadith 13 You are eager for leadership and it is truly a regret and a sorrow on the Day of Judgement, what a good wet nurse and what an evil weanerإِنَّكُمْ سَتَحْرِصُونَ عَلَى الإِمَارَةِ وَإِنَّهَا سَتَكُونُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ حَسْرَةً وَنَدَامَةً فَنِعْمَتِ الْمُرْضِعَةُ وَبِئْسَتِ الْفَاطِمَةُ(Bukhari) Hadith 14 O Abu Dharr, you are weak, and it is … Continue reading The Weighty Burden of Responsibility

Islamic Rule – The Islamic Aqeedah is the basis for the State and its expansion

Hadith 6 It has been narrated on the authority of Junida bin Abu Umayya who said: We called upon 'Ubada bin as-Samit who was ill and said to him: May God give you health - narrate to us a tradition which God may prove beneficial (to us) and which you have heard from the Messenger … Continue reading Islamic Rule – The Islamic Aqeedah is the basis for the State and its expansion