The Concept of the State in Islamic Political Thought: Perspectives of Classical Thinkers

Abstract

The question of the state occupies an important place in the history of Islamic political thought, both theoretically and practically. Medieval Muslim thinkers developed profound and systematic views on the essence of political authority, its legal foundations, and the religious and normative aspects of governing society. In this context, the teachings of al-Mawardi, Abu Hamid al-Ghazali, and Ibn Taymiyyah on the state constitute an important intellectual legacy, defining the main directions of Islamic political philosophy. Although these thinkers lived in different historical periods and under different political conditions, the goals of the state and political authority, the relationship between religion and politics, the responsibility of the ruler, and social justice are reflected in their works as common themes. Al-Mawardi views the state as a political institution implementing the norms of Sharia and explains the legal and administrative foundations of the caliphate. Al-Ghazali explains religion and the state as interdependent structures that cannot exist without each other, emphasizing that their harmony is the main guarantee of social order and stability. Ibn Taymiyyah believed that the primary task of political authority is to establish justice and protect the general interests of society. This article, through a comparative analysis, examines the views of these thinkers on the state and determines their contribution to the development of Islamic political thought.