Contemporary Discourse on Citizenship and its Critical Analysis: An Islamic Perspective

Abstract

The pre-modern practices of political institutions of Muslims are no longer compatible with nation-state framework. The new classifications, Dār al-Shahādah (Abode of Testimony), Dār al-Ahd (Abode of Truce) and Dār al-Amān (Abode of Peace) have been the contemporary additional terms (Mustalhāt al-Mʻāsirah al-Ḥarbiya) to the classical legalistic framework which classifies the countries into Dār al-Islam (Abode of Islam) and Dār al-Harb (Abode of War). This paper will analyse the contribution of modern Muslim scholars in the emergence of the concept on the one hand while reformist scholars on the other hand. The former laying emphasis on forwarding the concept of citizenship in light of al-Darūrah (Necessity/Compulsion), while the latter ones trying to expand the existing concept of Dhimmah to adjust the needs and obligations of non-Muslim citizens in an Islamic state. The basic idea of citizenship seems to treat all the citizens alike and make the concept as nearer to the modern conception of citizenship as possible. In the given context, the paper will highlight how has the concept of citizenship evolved during the course of time from Caliphate (632-661 C.E) to the Ottoman Empire (1299-1924 C.E) and afterwards.