Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses the Western frameworks are employed for the study of the Islamic polity and political leadership. It introduces to the major conceptual, methodological and theoretical problems and explanations in the study of leadership. The book explores the study of the Islamic polity which is the context or environment of leadership in Islam and addresses the roots, evolution and political implications of Islamic sectarianism. It proposes that sectarianism originated from disputes over political questions, developed into profound disagreements over theological and political doctrines and practices, and continues to divide the Islamic community. The Islamic revivalist movement has played a pivotal role in the socio-economic and political developments of the Muslim Middle East. Theories of charismatic authority are applicable to the Islamic polity since they attach a unique significance to the individual attributes of the leaders.