Introduction: Background and overview -- Classical juristic theories of the caliphate : from idealism to accommodationism -- The caliphate in the colonial era -- Ali Abd al-Raziq's intellectual formation and his place among the disciples of Muhammad Abduh -- The central message -- The ruling system in the time of the prophet -- Critiques of Abd al-Raziq's position -- The implications of Abd al-Raziq's study for the debate over Islam and politics.
Contents: 1. Introduction: background and overview; 2. Classical juristic theories of the caliphate: from idealism to accomodation; 3. The caliphate in the colonial era; 4. Ali 'Abd al-Raziq's intellectual formation and his place among the disciples of Muhammad 'Abduh; 5. The central argument; 6. The ruling system in the time of the Prophet; 7. Critiques of 'Abd al-Raziq's position; 8. The implications of 'Abd al-Raziq's study for the debate over Islam and politics
