Muhammad is of course given the titles of Prophet and Messenger (Apostle). Is there a title that appropriately indicates his role as secular ruler of the Islamic state? (Of course the religious and secular roles cannot ultimately be separated.) Is it correct to call him Sultan?
Correct word would be "Caliph".The word 'Caliph' is the English form of the Arabic word 'Khalifa,' which is short for Khalifatu Rasulil-lah. The latter expression means Successor to the Messenger of God, the Holy Prophet Muhammad .As for Sultan,taken from dictionary.com
Word Origin and History for sultan
n. 1550s, from Middle French sultan "ruler of Turkey" (16c.), from Arabic sultan "ruler, king, queen, power, dominion," from Aramaic shultana "power," from shelet "have power." His wife, mother, daughter, concubine, or sister is a sultana.
Encyclopedia Article for sultan
Originally, according to the Qur'an, moral or spiritual authority; the term later came to denote political or governmental power and from the 11th century was used as a title by Muslim sovereigns. Mahmud of Ghazna (reigned AD 998-1030) was the first Muslim ruler to be called sultan by his contemporaries, and under the Seljuqs of Anatolia and Iran it became a regular title. Thereafter it was frequently conferred on sovereigns by the caliph (titular head of the Muslim community) and came to be used throughout the Islamic world.
Thank you for your response. It seems to be, however, that one cannot call Muhammad "Caliph" since he is not his own successor, any more than I am my own son. Is it nevertheless the custom in Arabic to call him Caliph?
It seems to be, however, that one cannot call Muhammad "Caliph" since he is not his own successor, any more than I am my own son.
Man is the vicegerent of Allah on earth (al-Baqara 2/ 30) and he is not left uncontrolled (without purpose) (al-Qiyama 75/ 36) according to the statements of the Quran. What is meant by the word vicegerent is to improve the world for and on behalf of Allah, to rule people, to apply the orders and recommendations of Allah among people, animals and non-living things.When a prophet is on earth,he is the incharge and the man in command to order,guide and help people towards the way of God.After that,a person from general public is elected to do the same task.However,He will not be perceived as Messenger and Prophet and his words will never deemed as final authority,this status will remain to be enjoyed by Holy Qur'an and as exemplified by Sunnah (the practice of the Prophet) unless otherwise in general affairs.
As successor to the Prophet, the Caliph was the head of the Muslim community and his primary responsibility was to continue in the path of the Prophet. Since religion was perfected and the door of Divine revelation was closed at the death of the Prophet, the Caliph was to make all laws in accordance with the Qur'an and the Sunnah. He was a ruler over Muslims but not their sovereign since sovereignty belongs to God alone. He was to be obeyed as long as he obeyed God.
Hey there! Looks like you're enjoying the discussion, but you're not signed up for an account.
When you create an account, we remember exactly what you've read, so you always come right back where you left off. You also get notifications, here and via email, whenever new posts are made. And you can like posts and share your thoughts. Sign Up
.As for Sultan,taken from dictionary.com
Hide
Looks like you're enjoying the discussion, but you're not signed up for an account.
Bookmarks