سلطنتِ عثمانیہ کا نظامِ خلافت اور جدید مسلم ریاستوں کے آئینی ماڈلز کا تقابلی مطالعہ

THE OTTOMAN CALIPHATE SYSTEM AND THE CONSTITUTIONAL MODELS OF MODERN MUSLIM STATES:A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

This research undertakes a comparative analytical study of the Ottoman Caliphate’s system of governance and the constitutional models of contemporary Muslim nation-states, with the aim of understanding the evolution of Islamic political thought in both historical and modern contexts. The Ottoman Caliphate was not merely a monarchical structure; it was a sophisticated politico-religious system wherein the Caliph, the scholars (‘ulama), the judiciary (qadis and muftis), and administrative institutions functioned in a coordinated balance of power under the framework of Islamic law (Shari‘ah).The study explores in depth the Ottoman model’s religious and political foundations, legal applications, institutional structure, and constitutional reforms—particularly the Tanzimat and the Constitution of 1876—through authoritative historical sources. In contrast, it examines the constitutional frameworks of modern Muslim states such as Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Indonesia, analyzing the extent to which they embody the principles of Islamic governance, implementation of Shari‘ah, democratic representation, and the unity of the Ummah.Findings indicate that although these modern states have adopted varied political and constitutional models, they share significant gaps in integrating Islamic jurisprudential traditions and spiritual unity within their governance systems. The research emphasizes the potential of constructing a contemporary Islamic constitutional model that synthesizes Shari‘ah, Ijtihad (independent reasoning), democratic accountability, justice, and transparency—drawing upon the Ottoman legacy as a historical foundation. The study concludes with practical recommendations and identifies prospective areas for further scholarly inquiry in Islamic constitutional thought and governance.