Your idea of Khilafah won't work
We might be missing a key factor for Muslim revival and it's right under our noses.
Let me start by reassuring you of my objectivity…
I don’t care what your stance on Khilafah is.
When we had one. When it ended. Who’s to blame… or how you plan to bring it back.
(I say “plan”. But no one has a plan. What I really mean is all the different ways people claim they’ll bring a caliphate.)
But there’s a common theme I’ve noticed among a lot of Muslims when it comes to the discussion around “Khilafah”:
Everyone acts like Muslim potential just disappeared overnight.
Let me explain.
There are two points in history Muslims usually highlight as key times when Muslim rule ended:
End of Muslim Spain
End of the Ottoman Empire
What do we usually say about Muslim Spain?
We call it the “golden age”. We talk about the great scientific achievements. We tell everyone about how tolerant Muslims were of other religions. How everyone thrived.
People sell entire courses about the glory days of Muslims in Spain.
Likewise there is a great deal of romanticism around the Ottoman Empire. We even have documentaries and TV serials.
Long story short… it’s like Muslim achievement, Muslim power, Muslim greatness, Muslim potential… all ended with Spain, or the Ottomans or some other historic event and…
We’re tasked with reviving their past glory if we ever want to be great again.
We don’t have anything going for us today… only our past glory.
And, apparently, reviving a historical snapshot of Muslims is a must if we want to “revive the Khilafah”.
Whatever that means.
But here’s the thing:
Muslims were expelled from Spain.
Forget ruling Spain… Muslims make up less than 5% of the population. And many originate from Muslim countries like Morocco.
In fact Spain ranks amongst European countries with the lowest number of Muslims.
Why is this relevant?
Because in stark contrast to Spain…
Muslims still reside in, remain the majority and rule practically all our lands after the end of the Ottoman empire.
Think about it.
You can feel however you like about how the Ottoman empire ended—to be frank I’m not interested in those debates—but Muslims by and large remained where they were.
So the names may have changed. But the Muslim populations—and more importantly their progress and potential—did not.
Yet what do Muslims generally say about our own countries?
They’re traitors. Hypocrites. Undercover zionists.
Look… notwithstanding the absolute idiocy and sinfulness of hating fellow Muslims…
But don’t you think it’s suspicious we glorify Muslim Spain which no longer exists but have virtually no love for Muslim majority countries still in existence, still thriving and with so much potential…?
I think it’s because the enemy knows we have all the resources and the people to revive Muslim dominance in the world. So they taught us to hate what we already have and glorify what we haven’t had for hundreds of years.
It’s why practically every single negative story about Muslim countries comes from an anti-Muslim source.
It’s why we see so many Muslims online acting like they live in an episode of a Turkish TV serial… talking about past glories (which they were never part of) when we have Muslim businesses, entrepreneurs, inventors, creators and thousands of causes in Muslim lands waiting for more support.
It’s very simple but I’m going to repeat because so many Muslims have been brainwashed on this topic (and I know this will upset a lot of you):
Muslim rule in Spain ended and the power and resources from that era no longer exist.
Ottoman rule ended but Muslim rule did not. The power and resources… the MUSLIMS are still here.
All of our potential is still there.
But we undermine and disparage and withhold support… and in doing so we hold back Muslim Betterment.
You don’t even have to like the Muslim governments.
But don’t be so proud and stubborn in your own version of what you want Khilafah to be… that you ignore the potential of Muslims on your doorstep.
Work with Muslims in the present. Don’t expect them to meet you in the past.
Muslims must let go of this need for perfect conditions. There are no perfect conditions. No perfect allies.
We have all the people and resources we need… and however imperfect they may seem, they’re our people.
And our countries are, for the most part, surprisingly stable despite the enemies’ efforts.
Don’t be an agent of destabilisation for the sake of your perfect idea of “Khilafah”.
And remember this…
Whatever your idea is it will comprise of the same components and functions:
Economy
Military
Technology
Innovation
Education
Diplomacy
Trade
Health
Food production
Manufacturing
To name a few…
Don’t they exist right now in some form or another?
And one final thought:
Muslim Spain wasn’t our golden age.
The Prophet and his companions were.
And as long as there are still Muslims supporting each other and following their example…
Our golden age will never end.
Don’t let the topic end here.
This topic is widely debated and I’m sure you will have comments on what you’ve read above.
Many of you might be triggered by what I’ve written… share your thoughts!
I’ve created a chat thread to discuss the components and functions needed for a Khilafah. I think this audience will offer a mature and lively discussion we can all benefit from!
I look forward to having productive conversations with you there:
Some very good points made- rather than deal with the problems head on within our communities and societies some prefer to live in the past or romanticised version of the past khilafa-to not do anything now or take any meaningful action. Interesting points- through empowerment and actions things will change. Jazakamullah for your post.
Interesting take.
I think you should take this idea further, perhaps exploring the impact of nationalism on regionalising Muslim thought and limiting their growth.