Islamic Caliphates: Unraveling the Rich Tapestry of History for Prevent and CVE

"Islamic Caliphates: Unravelling the Rich Tapestry of History for Prevent and CVE, Countering Dehumanization and Islamophobia Narratives. By shedding light on the profound contributions of Islamic civilizations, we challenge divisive narratives and foster understanding in our efforts to safeguard vulnerable communities." By Sabera Ahsan Prevent and Equality Trainer.

Prevent-CVE (Countering Violent Extremism) policy experts must consider the use of the term "Caliphate" or the term "Islamism" without a deep understanding of the rich history of Islam and the legacy of the Caliphates. The term carries profound historical and religious significance, symbolising a period of immense cultural, scientific, and political achievements in the Islamic world. Misusing or oversimplifying it can inadvertently fuel misunderstandings and resentment within Muslim communities and young people. It risks conflating a complex and revered institution with the distorted ideologies of extremist groups like ISIS.

Historically, there were four main Caliphates—Rashidun, Umayyad, Abbasid, and Ottoman—each contributing significantly to the development of Islamic civilisation and bearing little relation to the dystopian and violent interpretation propagated by ISIS used to radicalise hundreds of young people in the UK.

In the Prevent Duty, which focuses on safeguarding and educating young people through schools and various programmes, we teach about the dangers of misinformation. As educators and policy leaders, we must ensure we are not part of the problem or contributing to negative narratives that push young people toward extremist groups that twist the truth. By filling in the gaps with accurate historical knowledge, especially in the wake of movements like Black Lives Matter, where young people are actively investigating history themselves, we can prevent the ignorance or historical amnesia that extremist groups exploit to radicalise vulnerable individuals.

The timeline of the Caliphates reveals a rich tapestry of Islamic history, notably highlighted by the Umayyad Caliphate (661-750 CE) and figures like Abdul Rahman I and Abdul Rahman III. Abdul Rahman I established the Emirate of Córdoba in Spain, marking the beginning of Umayyad rule in Al-Andalus and initiating the construction of the Great Mosque of Córdoba, a symbol of Islamic architectural brilliance. His descendant, Abdul Rahman III, declared himself Caliph in 929 CE, turning Córdoba into a prosperous, multicultural hub.

This era, part of the Islamic Golden Age, was marked by significant advancements in science, philosophy, medicine, and the arts, facilitated by institutions like the House of Wisdom in Baghdad and the libraries of Damascus. Jewish and Christian scholars collaborated with Muslims, translating Greek, Persian, and Indian texts, which later influenced European thought and the Renaissance. The School of Translation in Toledo played a pivotal role in this cultural exchange, translating texts into Latin and profoundly impacting Western Europe’s scientific and medical knowledge. Additionally, this period saw the founding of 17 universities and the introduction of foods, spices, and citrus fruits that have become global staples.

Musical instruments such as the lute (or oud) and guitar were also brought into Western music, enriching the cultural landscape. This period's architectural and intellectual legacies underscore a culture of coexistence and collaboration, challenging modern misconceptions and emphasizing the need for historical accuracy in education and policy, especially in the context of Prevent-CVE efforts.

I only ever attended one session on the history of Islamism, and the term used in the world of Prevent and CVE always causes issues with Muslim communities, leading them to believe Prevent unfairly targets them. There is extensive research into understanding the nuances of Alt-Right or Far-Right Extremism, delving deeply into the pathways to radicalisation and terrorism. However, using a single, oversimplified term to describe extremism arising from a violent ideological interpretation of Islam—a faith followed by billions—is unacceptable. Islamism is a theocratic political system, not a blanket term for all issues related to extremism.

Teaching young people about the rich history of Islam and its legacy of discovery and coexistence is essential for Prevent to debunk extremist narratives of "them and us." As Prevent trainers, coordinators, and policy advisors, we must at least understand the basics of the history and legacy of various religions and cultures, recognising that many faiths have been misused to radicalise vulnerable people.

When a Prevent Education officer told me that my knowledge of history stemmed solely from my Muslim identity, I refrained from responding directly. However, in the meeting chat, I should have conveyed that my understanding of history is derived from extensive reading and research rather than solely from personal religious affiliation.

With a possible new government on the horizon, the Prevent Review's outcomes, the rise of far-right extremism, the lack of expertise in faith-motivated extremism, the emergence of mixed and unclear forms of extremism without a clear ideology, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, and our inconsistent interpretation of Fundamental British Values, the future of the Prevent Duty and Strategy is uncertain. It is imperative to address these complexities with a nuanced and informed approach.

It's important to understand that Prevent is about raising awareness, understanding emerging risks and threats, and especially using Channel as a safeguarding tool to ensure vulnerable people, especially young people, don't travel down the "rabbit hole" and through the "gateway" into extremism and terrorism, thus racialising generations to come. We must reflect and learn from past mistakes in our previous Prevent strategies.

Sabera Ahsan

Freelance Prevent and Equality Trainer; MSC Terrorism Studies University of East London; former LA Prevent Officer.

Timeline of the Caliphates

1. Rashidun Caliphate (632–661 CE)

? ?- First Caliph, Abu Bakr (632–634 CE)

?? - Second Caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab (634–644 CE)

?? - Third Caliph, Uthman ibn Affan (644–656 CE)

?? - Fourth Caliph, Ali ibn Abi Talib (656–661 CE)

2. Umayyad Caliphate (661–750 CE)

?? - Capital: Damascus

?? - Significant Figures: Abdul Rahman I and Abdul Rahman III

?? - Cultural and Scientific Achievements:

???? - Establishment of libraries and centres of learning

???? - Advances in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine

???? - Prominent figures like Al-Farabi and Al-Sahrawi

3. Abbasid Caliphate (750–1258 CE)

?? - Capital: Baghdad

?? - Cultural and Scientific Achievements:

???? - Golden Age of Islam

???? - House of Wisdom in Baghdad

???? - Translation of Greek, Persian, and Indian texts into Arabic

4. Ottoman Caliphate (1517–1924 CE)

?? - Capital: Constantinople (Istanbul)

?? - Significant Achievements:

???? - Expansion of Islamic culture and art

???? - Integration of diverse cultures and religions