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A PEEK INTO A CALIPHATE

Published

9 years ago

on

Al Jazeera’s three-part series explains the Islamic State

By Meha Mathur

The brutality that the Islamic State has inflicted upon those who do not adhere to its world view has done much harm to Islam. In 2014, IS forces butchered male Yazidis and enslaved their women. Their  occupation of the world heritage site of Palmyra and execution of senior octogenarian archaeologist Khaled al-Assad who had striven to preserve the site clearly signaled how narrow an understanding of Islam the IS has. Any individual or community that does not conform to that interpretation has to be killed.

The Islamic State strives to rebuild the Caliphate, which had ceased to exist in 1924. It announced Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as its new Caliph and aims to bring back to its fold the territories that the Caliphate once ruled along the Mediterranean.

A map of the Caliphates in the mid-10th century
A map of the Caliphates in the mid-10th century

While Islam did spread as a result of conquests, was violence the prevailing characteristic of the Caliphate? Al Jazeera, through its three-part series titled Caliph, strives to clear many misconceptions. For example: When Islamic armies conquered much of West Asia and reached Jerusalem, the second Caliph, Omar, made an unusual gesture to the Christian population. He refused to enter their church, saying that if he entered it to offer Namaz there, it would set a trend and his Muslim brethren would continue to do that, and the church would pass out of Christians’ hands. Omar offered his prayers outside the church and a mosque came up on the spot later. A copy of the pledge that Omar made to the Christians is on display at the mosque. It reads: “This is an assurance of peace and protection given by the servant of Allah… for their lives, property, church and crosses as well as the sick and the healthy and all its religious community.” It was a large-hearted gesture that the city can be shared by all communities.

Earlier, Omar’s predecessor and the first Caliph, Abu Bakr, had set the agenda of expansion, challenging the mighty Sassanids of Persia and Byzantines of the Eastern Roman Empire. But his instructions were to preserve, not to destroy and not to hurt women, elderly and people at places of worship. “It’s as if he was writing the Geneva Convention,” says Saleh Az-Zanadiqa, Professor of Islamic History, University of Jordan.

Genesis of Caliphs

Caliph means successor, deputy. While it was difficult to come close to the spiritual and political authority that Mohammad had, the need for a Caliph—a successor—arose upon his death in 632 because it was vital that Islam should grow. For that, a leader was needed, says Georges Corm, Lebanese economist and historian.

As the series brings forth, much of the history of Islam is about succession struggles, clan loyalties and human frailties. Upon Mohammad’s death, the first dispute that arose was who should be his successor. Would it be one of his clan members who had made the arduous journey from Mecca to Medina when Mohammad’s tribes in Mecca had turned against him? Or would it be citizens in Medina (called the al-Ansar, the supporters), who, after all, had welcomed him to their city? Clan sentiments prevailed as Abu Bakr, a close associate and father of Mohammad’s youngest wife Aisha, was proclaimed the first Caliph.

But then, why was Abu Bakr chosen over Mohammad’s dear disciple, Ali? Ali was married to Fatimah, daughter of Mohammad and his eldest wife, Khadijah. Devoted to Mohammad and his cause, he had ably assisted Mohammad in spreading the word of Allah. Just three months before his death, Mohammad had made the following proclamation:

O People

Of whom-so-ever

I had been Master

Ali here is to be his Master

O Allah

Be a supporter of who ever supports him

And an enemy of who ever opposes him

And divert the truth to Ali

It’s difficult to interpret this proclamation in any other way than Mohammad declaring his successor. But for centuries, Sunnis and Shias have fought over whether Mohammad wanted Ali to be his successor. The majority Sunni population has chosen not to read any meaning regarding his successor in this proclamation.

The series glosses over the role of Aisha in denying Ali that title for long. But another source—After the Prophet, a book by Lesley Hazleton—describes how, as Mohamamd lay on his death bed, Aisha ensured that Ali was kept out of any succession plan. Ali finally took over as the fourth Caliph (the first four Caliphs being called Rashidul or “The Rightly Guided Caliphs”) but was killed in 661 by those who were dissatisfied with his leadership.

In fact, jealousies, enmity and one-upmanship, besides contradictory notions of leadership, caused much bloodbath and intrigue, including the Karbala episode when Ali’s son Hussain and his followers were killed.

Dissensions within rival groups finally led to three separate Caliphates by the mid 10th century.

The Quraysh clan, in which Mohammad was born, was subdivided into the Hashemites (Mohammad’s line) and Ummayads. Umayyads, who were bitter that the birth of a prophet had increased the importance of Hashemites, got antagonized and established their own Caliphate. Their spread was westward and they consolidated their hold in Spain. A line of Fatimids, proclaiming allegiance to Fatima (Mohammad’s daughter, spread in Egypt and much of North Africa). Abbasids, who were also from the broader lineage as Mohammad and Ali, established their hold over West Asia.

Of conquests and culture

The audacious victory march of Caliphs, their taking on the mighty empires of the times, the westward move to Europe, and the capture of Constantinople (Istanbul, which was considered the biggest prize catch for Islam), are all narrated through elaborate maps and images in the series. Scholars of Islam have been interviewed extensively to trace the history of Caliphate. These include Amira Bennison, reader in the history and culture of Maghrib at the University of Cambridge, John Tolan, professor of history at University of Nantes, Konrad Hirschler, faculty, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London and Fathi al-Bahri from the Tunisian National Institute for Heritage, among others.

A TV grab of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
A TV grab of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi

But the spread of Islam was not only about conquests, military moves and garrison towns. The second part of the series describes the cultural flowering under Abbasids. Abbasids provided much stability in the region, and under them, Baghdad emerged as a center of trade, cultural growth and scientific quest, and contributed in large measure to the European Renaissance.

In the 14th century, the Ottoman Turks, who called themselves Sultans, laid claim to the title of Caliph. With this, the title of Caliph went to non-Arabs for the first time. After the World War, it was the Muslims in Turkey, inspired by nationalistic ideology, who terminated the title of Caliph and abolished the Sultanate. Thus, considerations other than religion have played a role in the institution of the Caliphate.

Today, a majority of Muslims share the disgust and anguish of others at the violence perpetrated by the IS. In trying to revive the Caliphate, does the IS have a broad-based support of Muslims?Caliph claims that Baghdadi doesn’t have broad-based consensus to hold on to the title.

Caliph does not touch upon the Shariat, the Hadith and the crux of what Islam has to say vis-à-vis other religions, diversity and peaceful co-existence. Its interpretation of Islam is primarily through the conduct of its Caliphs—which is largely in a political realm. It’s for Muslims to draw right inferences from their Caliphs’ acts and to apply them to the needs of the 21st century.

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India News

FASTag won’t be discontinued from May 1: Govt clears rumours on new tolling technology

While new technological approaches are under consideration, MoRTH clarified that the ongoing pilot tests featuring Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems at selected toll plazas are meant to enhance, not replace, FASTag functionalities.

Published

8 months ago

on

April 18, 2025

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The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has dismissed rampant rumours regarding the discontinuation of the FASTag system effective May 1, 2025. In an official statement released on Friday, the ministry reiterated that it has no intention of phasing out FASTag or replacing it with a satellite-based tolling system in the immediate future.

Authorities cautioned the public against believing misleading reports and viral messages that suggest FASTag will be eliminated, emphasising that the system remains active and mandatory for toll payments across the nation.

While new technological approaches are under consideration, MoRTH clarified that the ongoing pilot tests featuring Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems at selected toll plazas are meant to enhance, not replace, FASTag functionalities.

Understanding the hybrid tolling model

The proposed hybrid model seeks to combine the existing Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)-based FASTag with ANPR technology. This innovative approach aims to facilitate barrier-less toll collection; sophisticated high-resolution cameras will capture vehicle number plates and link them with FASTag accounts for a more efficient toll payment process.

The ministry is currently assessing the hybrid system’s potential to:

  • Decrease congestion at toll plazas
  • Accelerate vehicle flow
  • Provide motorists with a smoother, uninterrupted tolling experience

However, MoRTH has confirmed that the hybrid model is still in the pilot phase and no final decision regarding its nationwide implementation has been established.

Although FASTag will not be replaced, the ministry stressed the importance of compliance under the hybrid system. Vehicle owners who neglect toll payment procedures may receive electronic notices, face suspension of their FASTag accounts, or incur penalties as per the VAHAN vehicle registration database.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways strongly urged motorists to disregard false information regarding the discontinuation of FASTag. Official updates on any changes to the tolling system will be communicated through trusted channels. The public is encouraged to stay informed by visiting the official websites at www.nhai.gov.in and morth.nic.in.

Fact Check: Claim: A satellite-based tolling system will replace FASTag starting May 1, 2025. Fact: This claim has been labelled false, as MoRTH has confirmed that FASTag will remain in use beyond the specified date.

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India News

Who was Hemraj Meena, the Pulwama martyr whose daughter’s wedding was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla?

Birla took on the role of the uncle for Reena’s mother, Madhubala, and performed the Hindu wedding custom known as ‘mayra’.

Published

8 months ago

on

April 13, 2025

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Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla fulfilled a promise he made six years ago by participating in the wedding rituals of the daughter of a martyr from Pulwama, held in Kota, Rajasthan. He took part in the traditional ceremonies typically performed by the bride’s uncle or her mother’s brother.

Birla took on the role of the uncle for Reena’s mother, Madhubala, and performed the Hindu wedding custom known as ‘mayra’. He is the representative of the Kota-Bundi constituency in Parliament and attended the wedding of 25-year-old Reena, the daughter of Hemraj Meena, who died in the Pulwama attack, in the Sangod area of Kota.

Who was Hemraj Meena?

Hemraj Meena served as a head constable in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and was from Vinod Kalan village in Sangod, Rajasthan. He is survived by his wife, Madhubala Meena, and their daughter Reena. Hemraj lost his life in the 2019 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama.

In the wake of Hemraj’s death, Om Birla pledged to support his family. Since then, he has been actively involved in their lives, celebrating festivals and providing assistance.

At the wedding, Birla played a significant role by presenting a ceremonial ‘odhni’ and other gifts to Madhubala, while also honouring the memory of Hemraj Meena and taking part in numerous wedding rituals. State Energy Minister Heeralal Nagar accompanied him at the event.

Birla expressed his emotions about the occasion by sharing photos from the ceremony on X (formerly Twitter). He stated, “My heart is filled with pride and joy that our daughter Reena is now going to start her new life. This moment is not only emotionally significant for the family but also a source of pride, as it reflects the love, values, and aspirations that have come to fruition. The unique sacrifice and unwavering dedication of Martyr Hemraj Meena Ji to our nation continue to inspire us all.”

He concluded by wishing for Reena’s married life to be filled with love, trust, and harmony, praying that she always finds happiness, prosperity, and respect in her new journey.

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Bollywood news

Celebrating a milestone: Oscars to launch Best Stunt Design category for 100th Academy Awards in 2027

Indian filmmaker SS Rajamouli, celebrated for RRR, expressed his excitement on social media

Published

8 months ago

on

April 11, 2025

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In a groundbreaking decision, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed on Friday that it will introduce a new Oscar category, Best Stunt Design, to recognize the artistry of stunt work, beginning with the 100th Academy Awards in 2028 for films released in 2027. This historic step celebrates a craft integral to cinema since its inception, marking a victory for stunt professionals after decades of advocacy.

The announcement follows persistent efforts from industry insiders, spearheaded by director and former stuntman David Leitch—known for The Fall Guy, Bullet Train, and Deadpool 2—and veteran stunt coordinator Chris O’Hara. Their compelling presentations to the Academy’s Board of Governors paved the way for this long-overdue recognition. “Since the early days of cinema, stunt design has been a vital part of filmmaking,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang said in a joint statement. “We are proud to honor the innovative work of these technical and creative artists.”

The Academy echoed this sentiment on X, stating, “Stunts have always been part of the magic of movies. Now, they’re part of the Oscars. The Academy has created a new annual award for Achievement in Stunt Design—beginning with the 100th Oscars in 2028, honoring films released in 2027.”

The decision drew enthusiastic responses worldwide. Indian filmmaker SS Rajamouli, celebrated for RRR, expressed his excitement on social media: “At last!! After a 100-year wait!!! Ecstatic for the new Oscars stunt design category for films releasing in 2027! Huge thanks to David Leitch, Chris O’Hara, and the stunt community for making this historic recognition possible, and to The Academy, CEO Bill Kramer, and President Janet Yang for honoring the power of stunt work. Thrilled to see #RRRMovie’s action visuals shining in the announcement!”

Leitch reflected on the milestone, saying, “This has been a long journey for so many of us. Chris O’Hara and I have spent years working to bring this moment to life, standing on the shoulders of stunt professionals who’ve fought tirelessly for recognition over the decades.” Similarly, John Wick director Chad Stahelski lauded the Academy’s decision as a nod to the collaborative spirit of stunt teams. “It’s great to see the Academy truly listening to the stunt community,” he told Variety, highlighting the importance of recognizing an entire department rather than a single individual.

Jeff Wolfe, president of the Stuntmen’s Association, hailed it as “a historic moment for our community,” adding, “This validates the passion, innovation, creativity, and hard work behind every fall, fight, and fireball.” The push for recognition gained momentum in recent years, bolstered by films like The Fall Guy and support from actors such as Winston Duke.

Details on the award’s criteria and voting process will be finalized in the 2027 Academy Awards rulebook, with presentation logistics to be determined later. Meanwhile, online reactions have spotlighted legends like Jackie Chan, with fans noting that this category—while a triumph—comes late for icons whose groundbreaking stunts have long defined cinematic excellence. Social media buzz reflects a mix of celebration and bittersweet sentiment, as the Oscars finally catch up to a craft fans have revered for generations.

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