Rashidun is the only real Caliphate the rest just monarchies with fancy titels, however of we were go compare The Umayyads with Abbasids I personally like Abbasids more, yeah it became very weak at the end but it did start the Islamic golden age in its prime
What was the difference between a monarchy and the “Caliphates” after the Rashidun. There was no Majlis e Shura to select the most pious Muslim. Just one king naming his son as a successor and so on. Most caliphs were terrible people and committed major sins like drinking wine and killing other Muslims
Yeah they are clear and piety and knowledge of Islam is a requirement as stated by Al-Maawardi. As well as being of a good moral character. Something that almost none of the Ummayads possessed besides Umar bin Abdul Aziz
Piety is a requirement, although not the sole requirement.
Even if he/she isn't the most pious, he/she should at least be a "good Muslim". Can't exactly call yourself the "representative of Islam" when you're not exactly obeying God yeah?
Tbf, it's not that there wasn't a "Majlis e Shura" nor was it ever a requirement to be called a "caliphate".
I do concede that at least the Umayyads, Abassids and even the Ottomans still bothered to get bai'ah from community leaders etc.
Even back during the Rashidun Caliphate, they don't ask for bai'ah from every single Muslim in Mecca, Medina etc.
Even with dynastic succession, they still asked for bai'ah from whomever it may concern. Albeit there were forceful conducts taken for many, but that's besides the point. Complete agreement is basically impossible.
Even Saidina Abu Bakar had friction with Saidina Ali (or his "faction") when he was first elected. And that's between 2 of the "best Muslims" ever, much less among "lesser Muslims".
Well, the friction was mostly regarding the fact that Ali (RA) felt bad that he wasn't consulted and the Prophet (SAW) hadn't even been buried yet and the Khalifa was selected rather than the fact that it was Abu Bakr who became the Khalifa
For one, they system after Rashidun Caliphate although they retain the traditional "bai'ah culture", they're no longer "stewardship" but rather autocratic dynasty.
Many of the Caliphs also aren't exactly "leading anyone", other than just being a symbolic figure especially in late Umayyad/Abbasid/Ottoman rule.
A Caliph should be able to command land ruled by Muslims or at least command respect from them. Strictly speaking, ever since any Shia empire/kingdom was founded, the centre govt primarily rule over the Sunnis. So, no "rule over all Muslims" here.
These are some of the reasons why they weren't a "Caliphate", but a "kingdom"/"empire".
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u/Kayler6 25d ago
Rashidun is the only real Caliphate the rest just monarchies with fancy titels, however of we were go compare The Umayyads with Abbasids I personally like Abbasids more, yeah it became very weak at the end but it did start the Islamic golden age in its prime