Emir (title)
The title "Emir" refers to a traditional rank within Islamic governance, historically prominent during the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates. Emirs were primarily military rulers overseeing specific regions, granted significant authority that included collecting taxes, raising armies, and appointing local officials. While the role of emir flourished under the Umayyad Dynasty (661-750 CE), it experienced a decline in power during the Abbasid period as new administrative offices emerged, relegating emirs to military governance. The importance of the emir title diminished over time, especially as the central authority of the caliphate weakened. In contemporary times, the title has been revived in several nations, notably Qatar, where the emir serves as the ruling monarch within a constitutional framework. The emir of Qatar, from the al-Thani family, holds extensive powers, including legislative approval and judicial appointments, and his position is not subject to electoral processes, reflecting a unique blend of historical governance and modern state structure. This title continues to carry significant cultural and political weight in the regions where it is utilized.
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Emir (title)
Emir is a traditional rank in an Islamic governmental structure. It was awarded during several historic periods, including the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates. In most cases, emirs were military rulers who governed a specific area of land. During some eras, however, the title was used for high-ranking administrative officials. In modern times, several nations, such as Qatar, have revived the office.
Overview
The caliphate was an Islamic theocracy designed to govern Muslims after the death of Muhammad. The earliest four caliphs, heads of the caliphate, were direct followers of Muhammad. The office was created to unify the Muslim community. Several Islamic tribes broke away and attempted to declare independence from the rest of the Muslim community. After these tribes were forced back, the Muslim community decided that the central authority of the caliphate would be necessary for the future of organized Islam.
The caliphate spread through the Middle East, conquering land and expanding its territory. The office of caliph usually was kept within a single family, leading to the creation of powerful political dynasties. The Umayyad Dynasty held power from 661 CE to 750 CE before ceding power to the Abbasid Dynasty, which retained control of the caliphate until 1517.
The caliph was a powerful central figure but could not directly govern the entire empire. Instead, regional ruling authorities governed most areas. During the Umayyad Dynasty and much of the Abbasid Dynasty, some of these regional rulers headed the office of emir.
During the Umayyad Dynasty, emirs were the powerful military rulers of provinces. Unlike many lower governmental officials, emirs were sworn directly to the caliph. They held full administrative and financial powers, which included collecting taxes, raising armies, and appointing lower offices, in their provinces. Emirs governed their provinces independently from one another. When a rival conquered the territory of a sanctioned emir, it was customary for the new emir immediately to submit to the reigning caliph.
The office of emir weakened under the Abbasid Dynasty. The Abbasid Dynasty created new offices to manage the financial and administrative duties of the provinces, leaving the emir to govern and manage military affairs. As the power of the caliphate and the Abbasid Dynasty weakened, the office of emir mostly disappeared.
The nation of Qatar restored the title of emir in modern times. Qatar is a constitutional monarchy, and the emir is the official ruling monarch. The title is passed through the male line of Qatar's ruling family, the al-Thani family. Citizens do not vote for the person who leads their government. As the head of the executive branch, the emir has total power to approve or reject legislation. He also has the sole power to appoint and remove national judges, although the emir is expected to act in accordance with the Supreme Judicial Council. In addition, the emir can officially pardon criminals.
Bibliography
"The Abolition of the Caliphate." Economist, 8 Mar. 1924, www.economist.com/node/11829711. Accessed 20 Sept. 2017.
Danforth, Nick. "The Myth of the Caliphate." Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2014, www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/middle-east/2014-11-19/myth-caliphate. Accessed 20 Sept. 2017.
"The Emir." Government of Qatar, portal.www.gov.qa/wps/portal/about-qatar/theemir. Accessed 20 Sept. 2017.
"History of the Caliphs." HistoryWorld, www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?ParagraphID=aiw2. Accessed 20 Sept. 2017.
"Islam: The Caliphate." Jewish Virtual Library, www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-caliphate. Accessed 20 Sept. 2017.
"List of Rulers of the Islamic World." Metropolitan Museum of Art, Oct. 2004, www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/isru/hd‗isru.htm. Accessed 20 Sept. 2017.
"Qatar." U.S. Department of State, www.state.gov/documents/organization/160077.pdf. Accessed 20 Sept. 2017.
Unwala, Azhar. "The Young Emir: Emir Tamim and Qatar's Future." Global Risk Insights, 18 Sept. 2016, globalriskinsights.com/2016/09/emir-tamim-and-qatars-future. Accessed 20 Sept. 2017.