ISLAMIC SECTS’ CONCEPTUALIZATION OF CALIPHATE

المؤلفون

الملخص

Themost important problem that emerged between Muslims since the first period ofIslam has been the disagreement about the caliphate. Throughout the history ofIslam the issue of caliphate has been the most controversial one causingfights. This issue has shaped the attitudes, ideas and views of certain creedssuch as Shia, Khawarij, and Murji’a. In this article, firstly, the meaningof the concept of caliphate will be elaborated, and then the theory ofcaliphate of the Shia,Khawarij, and Murji’a sects will be summarized. Finally,the views regarding the caliphate of the Ahl al-Sunnah, Salafiyya, Ashariyyaand Maturidiyya schools will be investigated.