Caliphate and Imamate: An Anthology of Medieval Muslim Texts on Political Theology

This anthology provides a comprehensive overview of the early history of the caliphate and key questions discussed by medieval Muslim scholars. It presents competing views on the prerequisites of legitimate leadership and authority in the Islamic tradition, offering an engaging introduction to the diverse writings of influential scholars from six classical Islamic schools of theology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The issue of power and authority within the Muslim community has been a source of enduring conflict since the time of the Prophet Muhammad. To provide a comprehensive understanding of the early history of the caliphate and the key questions that medieval Muslim scholars addressed in their works on this subject, this anthology presents a collection of classical Arabic texts in a new English translation. Spanning the eleventh to thirteenth centuries, these texts offer concise yet insightful perspectives on the prerequisites for legitimate leadership and authority within the Islamic tradition.

This volume serves as an engaging introduction to the diverse writings of influential scholars representing six classical Islamic schools of theology: Sunnism, Zaydism, Twelver Shiʿism, Muʿtazilism, Ibadism, and Ismaʿilism. Each scholar brings their unique perspective and theological insights to the discussion, contributing to a rich and nuanced understanding of the Islamic tradition.

By exploring these classical texts, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the complex and multifaceted nature of the debate over power and authority in Islamic history. The texts highlight the diverse interpretations and applications of Islamic principles, as well as the historical and cultural contexts in which these debates emerged. This anthology provides valuable insights into the development of Islamic thought and the ongoing struggle to define the role of religious leaders and authorities in the modern world.

In conclusion, this anthology of classical Arabic texts offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the early history of the caliphate and the key questions that medieval Muslim scholars discussed on the subject of power and authority. By presenting a diverse range of perspectives and theological schools, it provides readers with a deeper understanding of the Islamic tradition and its rich intellectual heritage.

ISBN-13: 9781316649732