Faith and Power Worksheet Faith & Power
Islam, Islamism, and the History of the Caliphate
Name:
Date:
Part 1: Video Analysis
Guiding Question:
How does John Green define the difference between the early historical Caliphate and the modern goals of groups like ISIS?
Definitions to Capture
Islam (Religion)
Islamism (Political Ideology)
Key Historical Values
Egalitarianism (Equality)
Shura (Consultation)
Part 2: Timeline of Authority
Map the historical evolution of Islamic leadership. In each box, describe the leadership style. Below the timeline, identify where the shift from "Religious Successor" to "Empire/King" occurred and where modern "Islamism" emerged.
Rashidun Caliphate
Early 7th Century
Umayyad Empire
661 – 750 CE
Abbasid Caliphate
750 – 1258 CE
Ottoman Empire
1299 – 1922 CE
Nation States
1924 – Present
Turning Point 1: From Successor to Empire
When did leadership shift from the "Rightly Guided" model to a dynastic empire/kingship? Why?
Turning Point 2: The Rise of Islamism
Where does "Islamism" emerge as a modern reaction? What specifically is it reacting against?
Part 3: Structure of Governance
Compare the structure of a modern secular Nation-State with the "Ideal" Caliphate described in the video.
Modern Nation-State
"Ideal" Caliphate
Shared Concepts?
Faith and Power Slides World History
Faith & Power
Islam, Islamism, and the History of Governance
Today's Objectives
Distinguish
The difference between Islam (religion) and Islamism (modern political ideology).
Map
The historical evolution of the Caliphate and the shift from religious leadership to empire.
Warm-up: Word Association
5 Minutes
Think of the word
CALIPHATE
Write down three words you associate with this term.
Be prepared to share your perceptions with the class.
Case Study: Islam and Politics
Guiding Question
"How does John Green define the difference between the early historical Caliphate and the modern goals of groups like ISIS?"
Key Terms to Listen For:
Ummah Islamism Nation-State Sovereignty
Embedded media
12:56
Islam vs. Islamism
Islam
A diverse and worldwide religious tradition with over 1.8 billion practitioners. It encompasses varied cultures, interpretations, and spiritual practices.
Islamism
A modern political ideology that posits Islam should be the basis of government. It is often a reaction to Western-style nationalism and imperialism.
"Islam is not just a religion... it was a civilization." — John Green
The "Ideal" Governance
Egalitarianism
"People are equals like the teeth of a comb." No class distinctions in law.
Shura
The duty of the ruler to consult with others before making decisions.
Bay'ah
A political contract or oath of allegiance between ruler and ruled.
Historical Reality Check: Three of the first four "Rightly Guided" Caliphs were assassinated.
Activity: Timeline of Authority
The Task:
In small groups, complete the timeline on your worksheet.
Identify when leadership shifted from Religious Successor to Empire/King .
Mark where Islamism emerged.
1
Rashidun & Umayyad
2
Abbasid & Ottoman
3
Modern Nation States
25 Minutes
Closure: Sovereignty
Venn Diagram Reflection
On your own, complete the diagram comparing a Modern Secular Nation-State to the Ideal Caliphate .
Nation-State Model
• Ethnic & Secular
• Popular Sovereignty (People rule)
• Individual Rights
Ideal Caliphate Model
• Universal (Ummah)
• Divine Sovereignty (God rules)
• Rule of Law (Sharia)
Faith and Power Anchor Chart Governance in the Islamic World
Faith, Power, and the State
THE CORE DISTINCTION
ISLAM
THE RELIGION
"A diverse worldwide religious tradition."
Spiritual & Cultural
Universal Ummah (Community)
Non-monolithic interpretation
ISLAMISM
THE POLITICAL IDEOLOGY
"The idea that Islam should be the basis of government."
Modern Phenomenon
Reaction to Western Nationalism
Focus on Sharia as State Law
CONCEPTS OF FREEDOM
Western Freedom
Individual Rights & Autonomy
Islamic Freedom
Submission to God (No Human Tyranny)
THE "IDEAL" CALIPHATE
1
Shura (Consultation)
Rulers must consult with the community/advisors.
2
Bay'ah (Contract)
Allegiance is a mutual political contract.
3
Egalitarianism
"Equals like the teeth of a comb."
Timeline of Authority
RASHIDUN
"Rightly Guided" Successors to Muhammad
EMPIRES (Umayyad/Abbasid)
Shift to Dynastic Rule and Kingship
OTTOMAN
The Last Great Caliphate Empire
MODERN NATION-STATES
The 1924 Abolition & Rise of Islamism
Key Debate
Popular Sovereignty (People)
vs.
Divine Sovereignty (God)
Faith and Power: World History Unit "History is a continuous process."