Longing for the Lost Caliphate - by Mona Hassan

The Longing for the Lost Caliphate is a groundbreaking exploration of the myriad meanings of the caliphate in Islamic history and Muslim culture.

Through extensive primary source research, Mona Hassan uncovers the rich constellation of interpretations created by religious scholars, historians, musicians, statesmen, poets, and intellectuals across the globe.

This book fills a significant gap in scholarship regarding Muslim reactions to historical moments of loss, challenging the notion that these events signaled an end to critical engagement with the idea of an Islamic caliphate.

Hassan's work reveals commonalities and differences in how modern Muslims have creatively interpreted and reinterpreted their heritage, shedding light on why the caliphate has been so important to Muslims in vastly different eras and places.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex and multifaceted nature of Islamic history and culture.