The Caliph P1: Foundation | Featured Documentary

The Caliph - Part 1: Foundation - Featured Documentary

For almost 13 centuries, from the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 to the overthrow of the last Ottoman caliph in 1924, the Islamic world was ruled by a caliph.

Translated from the Arabic ‘Khalifa’, the word ‘caliph’ means successor or deputy. The caliph was considered the successor to the Prophet Muhammad.

It is a term that has, at times, been abused.

In June 2014, a militant group calling itself the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (known as ISIL or ISIS) declared the establishment of a caliphate and proclaimed its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, a caliph. This proclamation was rejected by the overwhelming majority of the world’s Muslims.

ISIL had attempted to appropriate a title imbued with religious and political significance – and in doing so had cast a dark shadow over a rich history.

This is the story of the caliph, a title that originated 1,400 years ago and that spanned one of the greatest empires the world has ever known.

In this episode of the Caliph, Al Jazeera tells the story of the caliphate, providing a fascinating insight into how the first caliphs of Islam built and expanded their empire.

Director: Husein Alrazzaz

Islamic State Leader Baghdadi Reportedly Resurfaces after Claims US Strike Killed Him

THE GUARDIAN: Recording purporting to be of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi released after rumours he was injured or killed in air strike

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, leader of the Islamic State (Isis), has apparently surfaced alive after he was rumoured to have been killed in a US air strike last week, calling for attacks in Saudi Arabia and for “volcanoes of jihad” across the world.

Baghdadi’s call, in a defiant speech purported to be in his name, claimed that the “crusader” US-led military campaign against Isis was failing. “America and its allies are terrified, weak, and powerless,” he said, repeatedly attacking “the Jews” and “apostate” and “treacherous” Muslim (Arab) leaders who feared the return of the Muslim faithful to the ways of the caliphate.

In a 17-minute audio tape released by al-Furqan media — a jihadi site — Baghdadi was described as “commander of the faithful” and “Caliph of the Muslims”. It was not immediately possible to determine the tape’s authenticity but the voice, articulation and tone all appeared close to his prior speech patterns.

“Oh soldiers of the Islamic State, continue to harvest the [enemy] soldiers,” the recording exhorted in a key passage. “Erupt volcanoes of jihad everywhere. Light the earth with fire under all the tyrants and their soldiers and supporters.” (+ video) » | Ian Black, Middle East editor | Thursday, November 13, 2014

The ISIS Map of the World: Militants Outline Chilling Five-year Plan for Global Domination as They Declare Formation of Caliphate - and Change Their Name to the Islamic State

MAIL ONLINE: Sunni militants have announced formation of Islamic state in Middle East / They demand Muslims around the world swear allegiance to the caliphate / Claim leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi now has authority over all Muslims / Group has also now changed its name from ISIS to just the Islamic State / Announcement described as 'most significant development in international jihadism since 9/11'.

ISIS has formally declared the establishment of a caliphate, or Islamic state, in the vast stretches of the Middle East that have fallen under its control, and has outlined a vision to expand into Europe.

The announcement was described as the 'most significant development in international jihadism since 9/11'.

Upon declaring a caliphate, the Sunni militants - whose brutality in attempting to establish control in Iraq and Syria has been branded too extreme even by Al Qaeda - demanded allegiance from Muslims around the world.

With brutal efficiency, ISIS has carved out a large chunk of territory that has effectively erased the border between Iraq and Syria and laid the foundations of its proto-state.

The announcement, made on the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, could trigger a wave of infighting among Sunni extremist factions that have until now formed a loose rebel alliance.

A spokesman for ISIS declared the group's chief, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, as the leader of the new caliphate, or Islamic state, and called on Muslims everywhere, not just those in areas under the organization's control, to swear loyalty to him.

'The legality of all emirates, groups, states and organizations becomes null by the expansion of the caliph's authority and the arrival of its troops to their areas,' said Abu Mohammed al-Adnani.

'Listen to your caliph and obey him. Support your state, which grows every day,' he added in an audio statement posted online. Read on and comment » | John Hall | Published: Monday, June 30, 2014 | Updated: Tuesday, July 01, 2014

Pak Minister Wants Obama to Be ''Leader of All Muslims''
MSN INDIA: Islamabad, (PTI) A Pakistani minister wants US President Barack Obama to offer Eid prayers at Ground Zero in New York and become the "Amir-ul-Momineen" or Caliph of Muslims.



Minister of State for Industries Ayatullah Durrani, who belongs to the ruling Pakistan People's Party, said the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr festival, expected to be observed on September 11, would be a "golden opportunity" for Obama to offer Eid prayers and declare himself the leader of all Muslims.



"In this way, all the problems of the Muslim world would be solved," Durrani told The Nation newspaper.



Durrani, a former member of the Pakistan Ideological Council, contended that the Muslim world is in "dire need" of a Caliph and occupying this distinguished slot would provide Obama "exemplary titles" like "Mullah Barack Hussain Obama" or "Allama Obama".



He said: "The time is approaching fast. Barack Hussain Obama must act now. This is a golden opportunity, Muslims badly need it." 
Obama's elevation to the Islamic Caliphate would be the "key to success, he claimed but did not offer any explanation for his remarks.



''Ground Zero'' is the former site of the fallen twin towers of the World Trade Center. [Source: MSN India] | Thursday, September 02, 2010

HT: Always On Watch >>>