Islamic Universalism and the Nation State

Abstract

This study explores the legitimacy of the nation-states in the light of Islamic teachings, and the thoughts of prominent Muslim jurists. The research focuses on the questions, does Islam prescribe a specific form of the government; if a single unified state across the world is required as per the injunctions of Islam; does Islam outlaws the nationalism; does Islam commend a unitary or a federal state. The research investigates the state-formation process in the light of teachings of Quran and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as well as writings of Muslim theologians and jurists. The nature of the state practiced in the Muslim world, the importance of Caliph and its actual role, place of tribalism and nationalism in Islam, are the main points of discussion. The study employs historical and descriptive methods and relies on secondary sources mainly books and articles covering writings of Muslim scholars from later generations.