The largest misunderstanding is that a caliphate is a theocracy.
The word “caliphate” has been repeated multiple times during the 2016 presidential race. But the word is often misused, a local Islamic scholar said, giving undeserved legitimacy to the so-called Islamic State.
Speaking on WNPR's Where We Live, Dr. Feryal Salem, an assistant professor of Islamic Scriptures and Law at Hartford Seminary, said the term “caliph” originated from the Quran to describe the creation of Adam.
“God created Adam as a caliph on the Earth,” said Salem, “meaning a steward of the Earth—one who takes care of the earth, takes care of the environment, that the trees, the animals, the water, everything that is on the planet is a trust for humanity to take care of, and to treat well.”
Salem said that in recent years, the word has stepped away from Islamic values such as religious pluralism and environmental protection, and been used by ISIS to validate its actions.
“The term ‘caliphate’ has this romantic idea in some circles, particularly circles such as ISIS,” said Salem. “They appropriate this term for themselves, in a way, to try to legitimize their own rulership, and to assume that their practice is something that is in line with Islamic practice or teachings, and it is very much not so.”
At a town hall meeting in New Hampshire, Jeb Bush used the term.
"I tell the American public that a caliphate the size of Indiana garners strength each and every day if it's not taken out," Bush said.
Salem said that while the term has been misused in current political rhetoric, the largest misunderstanding comes from the assumption that a caliphate is a theocracy.
"Sunnis are very much against a theocracy."
Dr. Feryal Salem
“With Sunni law, which makes the overwhelming majority of Muslims,” said Salem, “Sunnis are very much against a theocracy—[the belief] that a ruler, or a president, or a king should not be the one, in any way, shape, or form, making or creating religious laws or practices.”
Salem reminded listeners that Americans and Muslims are groups of individuals that have lived in this country for centuries. She said, "you have individuals who have come looking for a better life, who have worked hard and made this country what it is, and Muslims are not an exception to that."
For the full conversation, listen below:
Karelyn Kuczenski is an intern at WNPR.