Lecture Notes: The End of the Khalifah and Its Impact on the Muslim World

Key Figures and Events:

Ahmad Shawqi

• Known as the Prince of Poetry in Egypt.
• Famous Arab poet in the early 20th century.
• Initially praised Mustafa Kemal for his military victories against the British and Greeks.
• Was deeply shocked and mournful when Mustafa Kemal abolished the Khalifah.
• Wrote one of the most famous eulogies to the Khalifah.

Mustafa Sabri

• Last Mufti of the Ottoman Empire.
• Criticized Mustafa Kemal early on and foresaw the negative trajectory.
• Believed that some saw Kemal's actions as regaining prestige for the Khalifah.

Mustafa Kemal (Atatürk)

• Abolished the Ottoman Khalifah on March 3, 1924 (28th Rajab 1342).
• Viewed initially as a military hero by many, including Shawqi.

Young Turks

• Group that included nationalists and secularists.
• Played a role in the dismantling of the Ottoman Khalifah.
• Led by figures like Mustafa Kemal.

The Significance of the Khalifah (Caliphate)

Historical Impact and Importance

• The Khalifah was seen as the political and spiritual leader of the global Muslim Ummah.
• Responsibilities included establishing prayer, collecting Zakat, ensuring public welfare, and spreading Islam.

Abolishment of the Khalifah

Historical Context

• The official abolishment on March 3, 1924, by a resolution from the National Assembly in Ankara.
• Following World War I, power shifted to a new group in Ankara comprising nationalists and republicans.
• Challenges both internal (e.g., decline in Islamic thought and fragmentation) and external (e.g., colonial pressures, missionary activities).

Responses to the Abolishment

Intellectual and Public Reaction

• Divided perceptions, with some supporting Kemal initially and others opposing outright.
• Ahmad Shawqi’s eventual mourning signified a shift from initial support to profound regret.

The Role of Education and Thought

Missionaries and Secular Thought

• The influence of missionaries from Europe and America played a role in promoting secular and nationalist ideas.
• Cultural and educational establishments reinforced secular nationalism among Ottoman subjects.
• Figures like Mustafa Sabri saw the danger early on but were unable to prevent the dissolution.

Modern Implications and Reflections

Current Reflections

• Present-day Muslim scholars and leaders like Dr. Abdul Waheed reflect on the historical events and their modern implications.
• The lack of a unifying Khalifah for a century has had lasting impacts on global Muslim unity and geopolitical stability.

The Importance of Accountability

• Emphasis on Muslims requiring accountability from their leaders, similar to the times of the Prophet (SAW) and the rightly guided Caliphs.
• Historical examples of rulers being questioned even by common citizens.

The Challenge of Modernization

• The rise of digital age implications and future governance challenges.
• The necessity of combining Islamic principles with modern governance solutions in a globalized world.
• The importance of strategic independence in technology, defense, and economy.

Personal and Collective Responsibilities

Rectification of the Self

• Importance of self-improvement and adopting Islamic concepts to counter individualistic tendencies.
• Comparison of collective compliance during the pandemic in different cultural contexts (e.g., Far East vs. Western individualism).

Final Thoughts

• Emphasis on returning to fundamentals while adapting to new realities.
• Bridging the gap between historical governance and modern statecraft to build a stable and just Muslim society.