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The Issue of the State in Contemporary Islamic Political Thought (1 – 3)

Islamic movements, in their broad sense, encompass all individuals and groups striving to change their societies by deriving their ideas and programs from Islam. While these groups and individuals differ in their methods and approaches, they agree on the positive value of Islam and seek to transform the reference framework in public life into one where Islam, in its various interpretations, serves as a primary force in shaping this life.
Poverty of Islamic Political Thought
Most contemporary Islamic groups trace their origins to the Muslim Brotherhood, which was founded in Egypt in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna. What distinguishes this group from its predecessors is as follows: First, the comprehensive concept of Islam, which al-Banna sees as "a creed and worship, a homeland and nationality, a religion and a state, spirituality and action, a scripture and a sword." Second, the organization transitioned from preaching to organized action, successfully becoming one of the most organized popular movements in the Arab region. Third, they emphasize political action and engaging in the political arena to effect the anticipated change. Fourth, the movement has transferred leadership of Islamic action from traditional scholars to active movement participants, most of whom come from the "modern" sectors shaped by their experiences in formal schools.
Historically, the political jurisprudence heritage and the principles of state governance did not address the concept of the state in the sense of a political geographical entity comprising elements: land, people, and authority; rather, the term "state" was always used in a manner akin to what is now referred to as "political systems." In this context, phrases such as: "the State of the Umayyads," "the State of the Almohads," and "the State of the Abbasids," describe entities without exceeding that meaning. The "Caliphate," as apparent through various jurisprudential sections and writings on the authorities of governance, is a representation of a political entity where authority is centralized in the person of the Imam/Caliph, from whom power branches out.
It thus appears clear that the concept of the state is a concept distinctly separate from that of the Caliphate. The state has a purely political function, with its stakes related to the interests of the community/nation within a defined geographical framework (the national soil), and its relationship with community segments is contractual to achieve the interests of the nation.
The theorization of the idea of an Islamic state during contemporary history has carried significant utopian aspects regarding the concept of the state, without delving deeply into operational mechanisms, or theorizing a realistic political thought capable of maneuvering and adapting in a tumultuous international environment. Therefore, most writings on the "Islamic state" remain burdened by the legacy of Islamic historical experience and have been unable to break free from and surpass it. Perhaps the currents and Islamic movements that have engaged in the reality of political struggle can transcend the historical experience and theorize an Islamic vision that represents the idea and project of the state, grounded in political reform, the establishment of public freedoms, and a democratic civil society while addressing internal corruption and sustainable development.
The adoption of the modern state idea by some Islamic currents has generated additional problems, especially when viewed against the backdrop of adopting that state in an Islamic manner and advocating the idea of an "Islamic state," because the modern state, in form and content, reordered the priorities of loyalties, requiring primary loyalty to the state as the source of individual definition, rendering their identity as "citizens" the fundamental definition preceding all other definitions, through which their legal rights and obligations are determined. The constitution of the state explains the nature of the relationship between the individual and the state and serves as the sole reference both parties revert to in cases of disagreement. There is no distinction, in terms of law, duties, and rights, between individuals based on their color, ethnicity, or religion, as they are all citizens.
In the presumed Islamic state, however, ambiguity surrounds these concepts. Loyalty becomes a contentious issue: is it toward the state or the religion? The status of non-Muslims in the Islamic state remains complex, and the issue of the loyalty of Muslim citizens in non-Muslim states is even more complicated.
Contemporary Islamic political thought is generally characterized by a synthetic tendency, using past political heritage in the form of a modern state without making profound transformations upon it or shaping it according to a coherent vision.
Finally, in the context of studying the poverty of Islamic political thought, we note the absence of an institutional culture in favor of what we call "a model and charisma," which are individual traits, as the institution lacks charisma but is more capable of nurturing people's interests than individuals because it ensures stability and adherence to the law.
Elements of the Issue
The issue of the state has occupied historians and political scientists, and intellectual and academic elites have dedicated years to studying the intellectual propositions with Islamic references that address the relationship between religion and the state, the state and society, and the state’s relationship with other societies.
Dr. Abdullah Turkmani
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BENEFIT AGM approves 10%...
- March 27, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).
Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
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