Political Thought of Classical Muslim Scholars: Relevance Today

Abstract

The political thought of classical Muslim scholars such as al-Mewari, Ibn Tamiya, al-Arabia, and Ibn Chaldean remains one of the most enduring legacies in Islamic intellectual history. Their contributions, developed in the context of caliphates, dynastic rule, and evolving social institutions, continue to shape the discourse on governance, justice, and legitimacy in Muslim societies today. This paper explores the central principles of their political philosophy, including the concept of the imamate, the relationship between religion and state, the ethical foundations of leadership, and the balance between divine authority and human agency. By comparing these ideas with contemporary global political realities—such as democracy, pluralism, human rights, and constitutionalism—the study highlights both the continuity and the challenges in applying classical political thought in modern contexts. The relevance of these thinkers lies not in a literal transplantation of their theories but in their ability to provide normative frameworks rooted in justice, accountability, and communal welfare that can inform governance in contemporary Muslim societies. The paper argues that a nuanced engagement with classical scholarship can help navigate present-day dilemmas, offering a middle path between rigid traditionalism and uncritical modernization.