Political Thought in al-Māturīdī

Abstract

Politics is considered one of the subjects studied by Islamic theology. This issue, which had a significant impact on the formation of the first sects, cannot be denied in terms of its social consequences. This problem has been dealt with under the title of "imamah" in the sources of Speech. In our study, Abū Mansūr al-Māturīdī's view of politics is presented systematically. Māturīdī's views on politics are examined in the context of his philosophy of administration, principles of administration, the characteristics of the caliph, the wisdom of the Quraysh being the caliphate and the historical context of the issue, the relationship between religion and politics, the rejection of the view of the innocent imam, the framework of obedience to the state administrator and the right of political authority to make laws (ijtihād).al-Māturīdī's political philosophy is based on the principle that sovereignty belongs to Allah. The political ruler is not the owner of the state, the treasury or the people. He's just a custodian. For this reason, it has to protect the trust in the best way. He should not rule with the presumption of absolute sovereignty. The relationship between power and people is not a master-slave relationship, but a relationship between the ruler and the ruled.The basic principles on which the political administration is based are, in today's terminology, elements such as justice, competence and merit, participation and common sense. Accordingly, the state administration cannot be handed over to the dominion of a family in absolute terms. State affairs are administered in consultation with the advisory council. The ruler of the state has no religious sanctity. As a matter of fact, in societies in which there were prophets who invited the people to guidance, there were separate rulers who ruled those societies. This is an example and a basis for the administration of religion and state by different powers.The characteristics of the state administrator, who is