Limitations of Power in Islamic Political Thought
The model of good governance developed in mainstream (Ahl al-Sunna) Islamic political thought is predicated on the delicate balance between the limitation and consolidation of power, a fundamental concept observed across societies throughout history, including modern Western societies. However, in c...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | Arabic |
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Istanbul University Press
2024-03-01
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| Series: | İslam Tetkikleri Dergisi |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://cdn.istanbul.edu.tr/file/JTA6CLJ8T5/4C3E083F0F6C464DB0028CAE529A0828 |
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| Summary: | The model of good governance developed in mainstream (Ahl al-Sunna) Islamic political thought is predicated on the delicate balance between the limitation and consolidation of power, a fundamental concept observed across societies throughout history, including modern Western societies. However, in contemporary interpretations of the Ahl al-Sunna tradition, the crucial aspect of power limitation often receives scant attention, leading to a prevalent portrayal of the Islamic political model as inherently centralizedand autocratic. We contend that this misreading primarily stems from neglecting the theo-political implications of the principle of “tawhid,” a unique feature of Islam. Tawhid not only unequivocally rejects the deification of rulers or governance to consolidate power but also underscores the supremacy of divine law, which is rooted in Allah’s absolute sovereignty. Consequently, it imposes moral and legal limitations on political power. This oversight prompts this article to critically evaluate mainstream Islamic political thought through the prism of tawhid, elucidating how political power is limited ontologically, epistemologically, legally, and morally within Islam. |
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| ISSN: | 2717-6967 |