Imam Ghazali's Theory Of Caliphate

Theory of Caliphate

Imam Ghazali views Caliphate as a divine state which is required by the Shariah or divine law and not by reason. Imam Ghazali enjoins on the Caliph (imam) that he should confine himself to religious duties and to stay focused on the study of the Shariah. Also, should he practise the religious virtues of piety, humility, charity and compassion, for he is the “shadow of Allah”, and therefore must be modest, simple and just. His definition of khalifah as khalifatulllah was an innovation in a sense that the four earliest caliphs, never claimed to be Khalifatullah but Khalifatur-Rasool (the successor of the Prophet).

Imam Ghazali says that caliphate is necessary to ensure the protection of Muslim’s religious, social, political

by designation of the Prophet, ii. by designation of the ruling Caliph, iii. by designation of the holder of actual power.

Al-Ghazali tells us that only the last alternative applies to his time.

Duties of the Imam or Caliph:

Imam Ghazali has catalogued ten duties of the Imam, which are as follows:

1. He must have the ability to wage jihad or holy war, and be able to defend the Ummah against their enemies and maintain internal order.

2. He should have knowledge or Ilm for purposes of ijtihaad. In this respect Imam Ghazali advises the caliph to consult the ulema or religious experts.

3. He should discharge the duties of his office (government and administration) directly or indirectly through experts and conscientious vizier.

4. A caliph might not have political power, but he must be pious, for he is a religious leader and preceptor of the people.

5. He must do justice and should have the knowledge for the application of Shariah. Knowledge and ibada guarantee the good order of religion (nizam al-din).

6. He must have knowledge of Shariah and wisdom to endorse it as the rule of law.

7. He should practise the religious virtues such as piety, humility,