(NOTE: This article is the first in a series of long-form, deep-dive investigations into the development of Islamic political thought during the 20th and 21st centuries. The aim is to dig into these developments so that we can be much better equipped to face up to the reality of the struggle with Islamist dreams of world domination. We will, of course, get to ISIS and Al-Qaida eventually, but the first few episodes will explore earlier developments that directly fed into their rise. You may want to get a hot drink before tackling the pieces in this series, but hopefully it will be more than worth your valuable time! Also, please do not hesitate to let me know what you think of these articles)
As the fabled Simplon Express (a sister service of the even more famous Orient Express) pulled out of Istanbul’s main station on the 4th of March 1924 it took with it the last flickering ember of a dream 1,300 years in the making. On board, on that day was none other than Abdulmejid II. The last Caliph of Sunni Islam. Only he was not leaving Istanbul, as so many Caliphs before him, at the head of the conquering armies of Islam. Instead, he was going into exile, never to return.
We will return to the fate of Abdulmejid shortly. Allow me to first explain what the Caliphate was, and why its demise early in the 20th century was seen as such an unmitigated disaster by many of the world’s Muslims.
The Arabic word ‘Caliph’ means ‘successor’, which should go some way towards explaining why this title, and its holder, was held in such reverence by the Muslim faithful. The person who could place this title in front of his name was quite literally viewed as a successor of Muhammad himself. This should not be understood in terms of his prophetic office. Orthodox Muslims believe that this died with Muhammad. There can, therefore, be no prophet after him as the ‘seal of the prophets’.
Instead, the Caliph was primarily seen as Muhammad’s successor as ‘Commander of the Faithful’. In other words, a military leader tasked not only with leading the people but also with expanding the lands of Islam. This was obviously a coveted position and much of the earliest years of Islam was taken up with the jockeying for position among those who wanted to control the Caliphal office. This conflict was especially bloody and fractious because Muhammad left no clear succession plans. At least this was the view, of the group who would emerge as the Sunni’s. Shi’a Muslims believe that Muhammad appointed his cousin and son in law, Ali ibn Abi Talib, to succeed him.