Classical Islamic Political Thought and its Contemporary Relevance

Abstract

This paper focuses on a critical review of three themes: the historical caliphate, rule of law, and democracy. The shift from the first theme to the other two is indicative, to some extent, of a certain disruption and departure exhibited by the dynastic caliphate from the normative guidelines of scripture and the precedent of the orthodox Caliphate of the 30 years (632-661CE) following the Prophets demise. The rest of the paper identifies significant lines of convergence between the Islamic system of rule and government under the rule of law and the basic postulates of a democracy. No direct analogies are proposed, only a comparative presentation and review of the juristic and historical evolution of Islamic political jurisprudence.