One Century Without a Caliphate: Reflections on the Legacy and Contemporary Relevance

By Grace Mubashir, New Age Islam 6 June 2024 The Century Following the Abolition Saw the Rise of Numerous Islamist Movements, Some of Which Explicitly Aimed to Re-Establish the Caliphate Major Points: 1. The Ottoman Caliphate, established in the 14th century, was the last in a series of caliphates that claimed to represent the unity and leadership of the Muslim ummah (community). 2. The abolition of the caliphate in 1924 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, was a bold move aimed at secularizing and modernizing the new Turkish state 3. The abolition of the caliphate created a significant socio-political vacuum in the Muslim world 4. The abolition of the caliphate also sparked a broader debate on the role of Islam in politics 5. As the Muslim world navigates these challenges, the legacy of the caliphate serves as a reminder of the complex and evolving relationship between religion and politics. ----- The caliphate, an Islamic institution of political and religious leadership established after the death of Prophet Muhammad, was officially abolished a century ago. The dissolution of the Ottoman Caliphate in 1924 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk marked a significant turning point in the history of the Muslim world. This article reflects on the century that has passed without a caliphate, examining its historical impact, the socio-political vacuum it left, and its relevance and irrelevance in contemporary global politics. Historical Context and the Abolition of the Caliphate The Ottoman Caliphate, established in the 14th century, was the last in a series of caliphates that claimed to represent the unity and leadership of the Muslim ummah (community). However, by the early 20th century, the Ottoman Empire was in decline, having lost much of its territory and influence. Following the defeat in World War I, the empire was dismembered, and its remnants were reorganized under the Treaty of Sèvres in 1920 and the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923. The abolition of the caliphate in 1924 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, was a bold move aimed at secularizing and modernizing the new Turkish state. Atatürk viewed the caliphate as an outdated institution incompatible with his vision of a secular, nationalist Turkey. The removal of the caliphate was part of broader reforms that included the adoption of the Latin script, the closure of religious schools, and the replacement of Sharia with secular laws. The Socio-Political Vacuum The abolition of the caliphate created a significant socio-political vacuum in the Muslim world. The caliphate had symbolized not only religious authority but also political unity among Muslims. Its removal left many Muslims feeling bereft of a unifying figurehead. Various movements and figures have since sought to fill this void, often invoking the idea of restoring the caliphate to mobilize support. The century following the abolition saw the rise of numerous Islamist movements, some of which explicitly aimed to re-establish the caliphate. Groups like the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and Hizb ut-Tahrir, an international Pan-Islamist organization, have kept the idea of a caliphate alive in their rhetoric and objectives. However, despite their efforts, no movement has succeeded in restoring a universally recognized caliphate. The Caliphate in Contemporary Islamist Ideology The idea of the caliphate remains potent in contemporary Islamist ideology. For many Islamists, the caliphate represents an ideal form of governance that ensures the application of Sharia and the unity of the Muslim Ummah. This vision contrasts sharply with the nation-state system that currently prevails in the Muslim world, which many Islamists view as a product of Western imperialism. The most prominent contemporary attempt to revive the caliphate was by the Islamic State (ISIS), which declared a caliphate in 2014 with Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as its caliph. This self-proclaimed caliphate was short-lived, facing widespread condemnation from Muslim scholars and leaders and suffering military defeat by a global coalition. Nonetheless, the appeal of the caliphate persists among extremist groups, which use it to justify their actions and attract recruits. Relevance and Irrelevance of the Caliphate Today While the idea of the caliphate holds emotional and ideological significance for some, its practical relevance in contemporary politics is highly debated. The modern nation-state system, with its emphasis on sovereignty and territorial integrity, has become the dominant mode of political organization worldwide, including in the Muslim world. Many scholars argue that the caliphate, as an institution, is anachronistic and incompatible with modern political realities. They contend that the challenges facing the Muslim world—such as poverty, corruption, and political repression—are better addressed within the framework of nation-states rather than through the revival of a supra-national caliphate. The Debate on Secularism and Political Islam The abolition of the caliphate also sparked a broader debate on the role of Islam in politics. Atatürk's secularization reforms in Turkey set a precedent for other Muslim-majority countries grappling with the relationship between religion and state. This debate continues to shape political discourse in the Muslim world today, with varying approaches to secularism and political Islam. In countries like Egypt, Tunisia, and Pakistan, the tension between secular and Islamist forces has led to political instability and conflict. The struggle to define the role of Islam in governance remains a central issue, with some advocating for a secular state that keeps religion out of politics, while others push for an Islamic state where Sharia is the law of the land. Reflections on the Legacy of the Caliphate The century without a caliphate has been a period of significant transformation and upheaval in the Muslim world. The legacy of the caliphate continues to influence contemporary political and religious thought, serving as a touchstone for debates on governance, identity, and the role of Islam in public life. While the caliphate as an institution may no longer be viable, its symbolic power endures. For some, it represents a lost golden age of Islamic unity and justice; for others, it is a relic of a bygone era that has no place in the modern world. The challenge for the Muslim world today is to reconcile this historical legacy with the demands and realities of contemporary governance. Conclusion The abolition of the caliphate a century ago marked the end of a significant chapter in Islamic history. While its absence has created a sense of loss and longing for some, it has also paved the way for new forms of political organization and thought in the Muslim world. The debate over the relevance of the caliphate continues to shape contemporary discourse, reflecting broader tensions between tradition and modernity, and between religious and secular visions of governance. As the Muslim world navigates these challenges, the legacy of the caliphate serves as a reminder of the complex and evolving relationship between religion and politics. The future of this relationship will depend on the ability of Muslim societies to adapt to changing circumstances while remaining true to their core values and principles. ----- A regular columnist for NewAgeIslam.com, Mubashir V.P is a PhD scholar in Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia and freelance journalist. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-terrorism-jihad/century-caliphate-reflections-legacy-contemporary-relevance/d/132874 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism