Refashioning the caliphate : imperial vicissitudes and the deformation of order
Abstract
Relying on the work of the political philosopher, Eric Voegelin, I argue that in the
caliphate-related theoretical fabrics that appeared as of the Umayyad founding caliphs
up to Al-Banna, a relation emerged between imperial vicissitudes, the ensuing anxieties
and the desire to eliminate recalcitrant realities on one end, and the deformation of the
meaning of the caliphate, of grand conceptions of order and of the mystery on the other
end. Phases of Caliphal imperial ascent and imperial floating saw a mode of deformation
which consisted of mystery-distorting conceptions, hence pointing to a metastatic
consciousness which escaped from the metaxy heading towards the transcendent pole.
Phases of imperial decay saw a mode of deformation which was characterized by a
general avoidance of the mystery, and an immersion in profaneness, hence pointing to a
metastatic consciousness which escaped form the metaxy heading towards the
immanent pole. Both modes were outcomes of a superbia-based emotional difficulty
preventing the libidinous self from bearing the persisting cognitive anxieties aroused by
imperial vicissitudes. I demonstrate that characteristic of the phase of imperial ascent
and imperial floating is the accentuation of the individual caliph/imam, and the
customization of mystery distorting conceptions to solidify his status in the system of
transcendental representation such as constructing him as God's deputy. This
accentuation of the caliph is underpinned by the desire to boost his role in the system of
existential representation especially his imperial status. Characteristic of the phase of
imperial descent and imperial encroachment is the accentuation of the umma and the
construction of the caliph as the umma's deputy, and a general avoidance of the mystery.
The accentuation of the umma is underpinned by the desire to reinvent the system of
existential representation and invoke maximal power which would end the state of
imperial decay or encroachment.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
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