Sefatullah Siyah
Nearly a century ago, during the era of the Ottoman Caliphate, which symbolized the greatness of the Muslim Ummah, came to an end. Consequently, for many decades, Muslims suffered oppression, brutality, and invasions.
Initially, attempts were made to revive the caliphate in various locations. However, the power of colonialists and their allies ultimately prevailed, thwarting the aspirations of the Muslim population, and those advocating for the restoration of the caliphate were gradually eradicated.
As time progressed, the hegemony of Western intruders exerted such a profound influence over the consciousness of Muslims that even while enduring subjugation and servitude, thoughts of freedom and autonomy failed to materialize.
It was not until the Soviet Union launched an attack on Afghanistan that Muslims took up arms against the invaders. As a result of this resistance, Muslims were blessed with a system based on Sharia law, imbued with independence, and an Emirate (Caliphate) that lasted for five years. Witnessing these developments, a renewed sense of pride in the Muslim world emerged, prompting uprisings in favor of a Sharia-based system across Islamic nations.
Although the Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan was dismantled with the support of America, its allies, and domestic mercenaries, endeavors persisted worldwide to reinstate and administer it anew. But, unexpectedly, the “Islamic State in Iraq and Syria” declared a Caliphate.
The hopeful eyes of oppressed Muslims around the world were fixed on them, although the learned and wise knew that this Caliphate did not follow the prophetic methodology because the selection of the Caliph was not according to the prophetic methodology, nor did it meet the conditions of the Caliphate uprising as stated and explained by Islamic scholars.
Due to Western-backed media tirelessly promoting this Caliphate, they instilled an affection for it in the hearts of uninformed and ignorant Muslims. Many of them left their homes, wealth, and children to join ISIS in an attempt to re-establish the Islamic system. However, they were unaware that they had fallen into a web of deception and deceit. Some who joined ISIS with the noble intention of Jihad for the sake of Allah were misled by ISIS to fight against fellow Muslim Mujahideen, causing division in the ranks of Jihad and dismantling groups like Ansar al-Sunna in Iraq.
Individuals who were unaware of the reality of ISIS and were influenced by their media propaganda were optimistic that Muslims would once again regain the honor and dignity of their historical past (including the Rashidun, Umayyad, Abbasid, and Ottoman Caliphates). However, as they gradually became aware of ISIS’s Khariji ideology and extremist practices, they grew increasingly disillusioned and despondent. They even became so sensitive to the name of the Caliphate that they do not want to hear it.
Although the Caliph is mentioned in the verses and the Caliphate is transmitted in the traditions, these individuals (ISIS) have tainted the concept of the Caliphate to such an extent that upon hearing news related to the Caliph and the Caliphate, thoughts of their heinous crimes and murders immediately come to mind.
May Allah Almighty safeguard the Islamic system that has been established in Afghanistan, serving as the protector of the hopes and aspirations of Muslims. Ameen!
