THE CALIPHATE AS A CIVILIZATIONAL IDEAL: HISTORICAL REALITIES AND MODERN INTERPRETATIONS

Abstract

The institution of the Caliphate remains a contested yet potent symbol of Islamic civilization, governance, and spiritual unity. This article explores the historical trajectory of the Caliphate from the Rashidun era to modern political interpretations, examining its civilizational impact and its role in shaping Islamic identity. Through a multidimensional approach, we assess the Caliphate’s contributions in the realms of law, governance, education, and culture. The study further investigates the ideological resurgence of the Caliphate ideal in contemporary Muslim political discourse, particularly in post-colonial contexts. Drawing on both classical Islamic sources and modern scholarship, we provide a critical analysis of the Caliphate as a civilizational ideal in contrast to modern nation-state structures.