From the viewpoint of international law, the governance of a state is at the core of its identity. The concept of governance in Islam has troubled scholars since the onset of the Ottoman Empire’s relationship with Europe, particularly as the Ottoman Caliphate was compared to the Holy Roman Empire. Terminology related to the Holy Roman Empire has served as a benchmark that scholars have used to evaluate Islamic institutions. While some issues arose during the reign of Sultan Abdul Hamid II, his government—and the Ottoman Caliphate in general—cannot be considered an Islamic caliphate without doubt or criticism.
However, the borrowing of terminology from one context to examine another has led to confusion regarding the similarities and differences between two distinct institutions: the Church and the Ottoman Caliphate. It has been suggested that the caliph was both pope and emperor; this analogy is misleading. Furthermore, the style of governance practiced by the Ottoman Caliphate cannot be deemed the only style or form of government that Muslims are obligated to follow.
In examining this phenomenon, Leopold Weiss asserts: “The use of non-Islamic terms for Islamic concepts and institutions is very misleading.” The ideology of Islam possesses its own social orientation, which differs significantly in many ways from that of the modern West and can only be accurately interpreted within its own context and literature.
Without exception, any departure from this principle obscures Islamic law’s stance on many of the critical issues of our time. Islamic law posits that governance ultimately belongs to Allah; He is the Creator and Lawgiver. The characteristics of this governance can best be understood and its dimensions delineated through the study of the Holy Quran. For example, there are verses where Allah is described using terms that articulate one or several aspects of His governance, as illustrated in the following statements:
1. “He governs the affairs of the earth and the heavens.”
2. “Blessed is He in whose hand is the governance of all things, and He is competent over all things.”
3. “Say: O Allah, Owner of the Kingdom, grant the kingdom to whom You will, and withhold it from whom You will. Exalt whom You will and abase whom You will. In Your hand is the good of all; for You are over all things competent.”
In fact, these verses, among several others, have a direct bearing on political aspects. They refer to governance as the ultimate legal authority and governance in the universe, life, and humanity.
By admin2
