Topic Three—Perso-Islamic Theory of Kingship
This theory of Kingship emerged in the 1200s and was characterized by a distinct theoretical basis. To begin with, Haji cites Qadi al-Nu‘man who indicates that it retained the important notion that prescribed that the caliph authority be comprised of both the political and spiritual affairs (Haji 63). Despite this, it justified the separation of the church and the state and contended that each needed to work independently in enhancing governance. Ultimately, the religious authority was allowed to reside in the caliph but the administrative and political authority transferred to the army.
Notably, the caliph still had a considerable degree of influence in governance. This is because of the fact that the legitimacy of any form of Kingship was determined by the caliph. In other words, the governance needed to pay tribute to the authority of the caliph before it could be considered to be legitimate (Darke 112). This could be attained through the incision of the name of the reigning caliph in public prayers as well as n his minted coins. Nevertheless, the success of the sultan was determined by the ability of the same to maintain public order and state security.
Further, the theoretical prepositions ascertain that in order for an army to function in an executive manner, it needed to have sufficient wealth. Notably, these sources were instrumental in empowering the same to carry out various activities with ease. This wealth was to be sourced from the subjects of the kingdom. It was their responsibility to ensure that the army was provided with sufficient resources. This basically reciprocated the efforts of the army in securing the safety of the kingdom. Also, the subjects of the given kingdom were considered servants of the same (Lindsay 65). This was greatly influenced by the need to further justice. Finally, this theory was also influenced by the preposition that justice was at the core of any form of prosperity. This was manifested through the upholding of a great degree of responsibility.
As indicated earlier, the political legitimacy and success of the sultan was influenced by various factors among them being the need to recognize and acknowledge the role of the caliph in governance. In this regard, it was posited that the role of the divinity was equally instrumental in enhancing prosperity (Darke 72).
Further, Nizam-al Maluk indicated that there was need to reconcile the public interests and the interest of governance (Darke 76). This was critical in curbing possible conflicts and tensions that would undermine effective governance. Compatibility of these ensured a harmonic co existence that enhanced productivity. Furthermore the safeguarding of productivity welfare as well as efficiency was elemental in enhancing productivity that would then provide vital resources for effective functioning of all components of the kingdom. In order to attain this state of affairs, policies needed to incorporate discipline and strictness when dealing with human interest.
Notably, emphasis on agricultural production as proposed by Nizam- al Maluk was imperative in maintaining the holistic stability of the kingdom (Darke 87). Agricultural production enhanced food production that maintained the health of the subjects. This also influenced the productivity of the other sectors, especially considering the fact that food sufficiency is primal in production. Of great importance was the fact that it enhanced stability within a nation. At this juncture, it can be ascertained that these factors are at the core of governance and therefore their fulfillment contributed significantly to the legitimacy and success of the sultan.
Works Cited
Hamid, Haji. (ed.) Early Islamic Empire: Texts and Translations. USA: Institute of Ismaili Studies, 2006.
Hubert Darke. Book of Government: The Siyasata-nama of Nizam-al-mulki. USA: Rutledge.
James, Lindsay. (ed.). Early Islamic History. USA: Darwin Press, 2002.
