Khalifah al-Rasul
Over the course of tens of thousands of years, Ilnid has established himself in al-Arabiyyah and has spread the influence of Islam al'Rasul across northern Alkelbulan. An Islamic empire has risen and flourished under his endorsement, an interconnected series of caliphates called Khalifa al-Rasul meaning Successor of the Messenger. Taking the title of Pharaoh in Kemet, Ilnid is viewed as a rasul (divine messenger) and malai'ik (angel) to muslims throughout his territories, acting as the voice of Allah and appointing khalifah (caliphs). He usually marries off his own children, who are divine descendants, to these appointed leaders as validation of his endorsement and establish his sons as Wazir over vast territories.
Khalifah are stewards of muslim nations, both a political and religious position. Each of these caliphates are their own polity, their own individual political entity, but are all linked together by their faith and by ties of marriage to Ilnid and his court, the Ahl al-Bayt. Khalifah Rasul is so ingrained into the societies of northern Alkelbulan that even as territories fell to the sovreignty of the Kingdom of Accia, the kingdom opted to leave these caliphates intact—a practice they continued to implement as their empire continued to expand. While all khalifah fall under the watchful eye of Ilnid, they are still prone to competing and even warring against each other for his favor, over resources and sometimes for far more petty reasons. Its rare for Ilnid to actually step in so long as his own descendants are left unharmed and the integrity of their nation remains intact, not concerning himself with the "bickering of his children".
There are other muslims further south of Khalifah al-Rasul but they do not follow Ilnid, revering Lithmor instead and practicing an alternate branch of Islam al-Rasul. This schism exists between those following Lithmor's version of their faith and those following Ilnid's stricter and more traditional way. Lithmor had adapted and revised the Quran dispersed through Emynea wheras Ilnid discovered and memorized the original Quran stored within his mother Ylithuum's private collection. Subsequently, Ilnid's followers are far more conservative and reliant on their Pharaoh while those further south endorse hereditary monarchs.
Territories
While still quite large of a nation, Khalifah al-Rasul used to rule over far larger a empire than they do today. Currently, the Kingdom of Accia has overtaken many of their territories and Inlid lost his holdings in the Frozen Wastes to his younger sister, Aasaru. In its height, Khalifah al-Rasul once spanned every northern desert of Emynea, from northern Alkelbulan to Xishi Shamo in Yaxiya including all of the Frozen Wastes. Now it is a shadow of itself, limited to the Arabiyyan Desert to the western edges of the Shamsi Desert. Ilnid still seems to be assessing the state of his empire after waking from a hibernation, the world holding their breath and waiting.
The vast majority of citizens of Khalifah al-Rasul are Arabiyy and Masriyyin. Under Ilnid's guidance, they have inched their way across northern Alkelbulan over the course of thousands of years, setting down roots with each conquest. Those conquered were forced to accept the religion and lifestyle of their conquerors or faced execution, expulsion or slavery. There are still many citizens who have adapted to the yoke placed before them and there is also a considerable slave population within Khalifah al-Rasul. The Imaziɣen have proven particularly adaptive, stubborn and evasive and many small, agricultural settlements continue life as they always have—working the land and getting by.
The exact borders of Khalifa al-Rasul have been fluid, especially since the expansion of the Kingdom of Accia. There are three main periods of Khalifah al-Rasul, in chronological order these are Rasidah, Umawiyah and Abbasiyyah. Three other, smaller caliphates weren't fully endorsed by Ahl al-Bayt, occuring amid a period in which Ilnid hibernated. These are the Mamalik, Imwehhden and Fatimiyyah.
Rasidah
Rasidah was brief and tumultuous, immediately following the Downfall of the Erlithmanil while Ilnid was still attempting to consolidate the power vacuum in Lithmor's absense. There were many assassination attempts on both Ilnid's khalifahs and Ilnid himself by those refusing his branch of Islam al-Rasul. A war waged between Ilnid and those devoted to Lithmor across Arabiyyah, Kemet, Arya and Kna'an. Eventually, communities revering Lithmor became the minority without her protection, practiced mostly by isolated communities and those within Dawn Ahrayn itself. Ilnid made a point to crush or expell all who refused his branch of Islam al-Rasul, not necessarily persecuting those revering Lithmor so much as those refusing to adhere to the original Quran.
Umawiyah
During Umawiyah, Khalifah al-Rasul rapidly began to expanda across northern Alkelbulan. Most of the Shamsi Desert fell to Ilnid amid this period and this empire even pushed north into the Frozen Wastes and east into Sesli Plato. Anywhere touched by desert sands, hot or frigid, drew Ilnid's ambition. However, in-fighting between khalifah and rebellions slowed their conquest. The Umawiyah period drew to a close thanks to these conflicts as well as a considerable rebellion instigated by a resurgance of Lithmor's branch of Islam al-Rasul, led by a figure claiming to be Lithmor's "host". It is said Ilnid imprisoned this heretic within his elemental plane, never to be seen again.
Abbasiyyah
The Abbasiyyah period is the longest lasting by far and is home to considerable advances in science, culture and spirituality. Ilnid had solidified his power and the foothold of Khalifah al-Rasul, any would be rebels silenced by his show of force against the heretic. Nearly satisfied with the expanse of his territories, Ilnid focused his attention inward, nurturing the economy, stability, education and cultural development of his lands. Trade, art and academia boomed but this peace couldn't last. A Khalkh Monggol conqueror began pressing into the Frozen Wastes, eventually sacking the capital of their northernmost caliphate. Ilnid's direct control over the Frozen Wastes was already quite loose, as these are the favored lands of his sister Aasaru. In fact, Aasaru took advantage of the opportunity and pushed Ilnid out of the Frozen Wastes. Following a catastrophic battle between these two Aethid, Ilnid was forced to enter a hibernative sleep to recover and Khalifah al-Rasul was left to maintain the empire without his guidance.
Mamalik
Without their Pharaoh, Khalifah al-Rasul relied on an army of slaves called mamalik to enforce their rule. These were mostly Eluzian slaves or children of slaves who were taken through war, slave raids or those conscripted as children from across the territories of Khalifah al-Rasul. They became a warrior class of freed slaves or slave-soldiers. Most were lower class Masriyyin, Turkler, Rossiya and inhabitants of Nordreyjar. However, this warrior class grew too powerful and eventually took control of Khalifah al-Rasul.
Mamalik rulers claimed the re-establishment of Khalifa al-Rasul by "supporting" Ahl al-Bayt, who were their captives, and moved the capital to Masr. Ilnid's descendants had no political power during this time, only acting as figureheads and symbols of power, but they still had spiritual influence. However, the influence of Khalifah al-Rasul waned in these years as most khalifah became regional and dynastic, segmented further as the Kingdom of Accia began their conquest of Alkelbulan.
Mamalik rulers claimed the re-establishment of Khalifa al-Rasul by "supporting" Ahl al-Bayt, who were their captives, and moved the capital to Masr. Ilnid's descendants had no political power during this time, only acting as figureheads and symbols of power, but they still had spiritual influence. However, the influence of Khalifah al-Rasul waned in these years as most khalifah became regional and dynastic, segmented further as the Kingdom of Accia began their conquest of Alkelbulan.
Imwehhden
The Imwehhden Caliphate was an Imaziɣen nation in Idraren Draren, now Marrakesh. They established their capital in Anfa and declared their leader a khalifah. Their influence spread westward while Ilnid still slumbered and even eastward into Sesli Plato and Flumen Pontem. That is until the Kingdom of Accia united and drove the Imwehhden Caliphate back. In the end, the Imwehhden were pushed all the way back to Anfa and, amid a seige, their khalifah was murdered by a slave offered freedom by Accian sabateurs. All the while, the city was being bombarded from the sea and fires were being set by infiltrators.
Fatimiyyah
Fatimiyyah Caliphate was based in the central region of Libu, Tinis, and spread throughout the entirety of Libu. The Fatimiyyah's territories stretched along the entire northern coast of Alkelbulan along the Keyh Sea and even into Kemet, Kna'an and the coast of the Arabiyyan Desert, challenging the authority of the mamalik. They even overtook Masr and made it their capital, driving out the mamalik and returning Khalifah al-Rasul to power. Yet they were driven out by yet another foreign caliphate. It was amid these events that Ilnid awoke from his hibernation. Inid wasted no time in ejecting these outsiders from Kemet and "cleaning house" within what was left of Khalifah al-Rasul. Ilnid carefully selected which caliphates he would legitimize, claiming ismah (divine guidance/protection), before finally refocusing his attention on the Kingdom of Accia, still eating away at his territories.
Government
The basis of Khalifah al-Rasul is rooted in the Quran itself, in the faith of Islam al'Rasul. Humanity is viewed as Allah's khalifah (successor/steward) on earth and certain rasul (prophets) are the khalifah of mankind. These individuals, who are mostly Erlithmanil, Aethid and their divine descendants, are obligated to guide humanity justly. There is no separation of faith and state within Khalifah al-Rasul, the opposite considered integral and morally correct. The establishment and maintanance of caliphates is central to all members of Islam al-Rasul in Emynea as these are appointed by and/or descended from rasul and living malai'ik (angels), sent to humanity by Allah to guide them towards the correct path. For this reason, their highest rungs of government are members of Ahl al-Bayt which serve as Wazir and Khalifah. Below these are the Diwan and provincial governors.
The involvement of the Ahl al-Bayt in government is a key feature in Khalifah al-Rasul based on the idea Imam and Ismah. Imam are those carrying divine blood and have attained Isma, a concept of someone who is divinely chosen. These individuals are considered infallible and incorruptable in their innocence, totally immune to sin and immoral behavior. They are those who can avoid disobeying Allah despite having the autonomy to do so. These individuals are believed to be critical in leading the common, fallible person towards the correct path, sometimes in inperceivable or confounding ways. Ilnid's children are seen as capable of attaining Ismah and can gain the title of Imam through their father's tutelage, training under him before being allowed any position of leadership.
"O believers! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. Should you disagree on anything, then refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. This is the best and fairest resolution."
Khalifah
When a khalifah dies, prominant men of the previous khalifah's kin meet and elect a leader from amongst themselves in a gathering called a shura. However, there is another step to this process mandated to all territories of Khalifah al-Rasul. The wazir of their region, a son of Ilnid, also attends this meeting and the final decision falls back on their approval and appointment. This is because it is believed they possess divine guidance as Divine Descendants of Ilnid. Candidates are usually of the same lineage of the previous khalifah but don't necessarily need to be his sons. Their capability as a leader is a higher priority. So long as a candidate carries the blood of an Aethid he can be considered, the previous khalifah having such descent or having married a member of Ahl al-Bayt, Ilnid's court. When there are no such candidates, Ilnid will send one of his own daughters or her descendant to validate a potential khalifah. Once appointed, the khalifah's primary duty is to rule their caliphate according to Islamic law, sharia, while legal specialists called ulama handle matters of law as educated scholars.
Diwan
Working directly underneath a khalifah are his diwans, specialized administrations. These were al-Kharaj (Revenue), al-Rasa'il (Correspondance), al-Khatam (Registry), al-Barid (Posts), al-Qudat (Justice) and al-Jund (Military). Diwan al-Kharaj adminsters finances, imposing and collecting taxes while Diwan al-Rasa'il co-ordinates the other diwans, keeping all adminstrations in communication with each other and issuing missives to officers. Diwan al-Khatam reduces the instances of forgery, making and keeping copies of all official documents before returning original copies to their source. Diwan al-Barid is a public postal service, keeping all branches of their empire in communication. This was done by taking advantage of camel carivans while a system of relays using horses and donkeys for more urgent messages was reserved for khalifah and wazirs. They might even coordinate with military personel, transporting troops from fifty to a hundred at a time using established routes. Diwan al-Qudat administers law and justice, appointing qadi (judges), but the khalifah is still involved in larger disputes. Finally, Diwan al-Jund pays all soldiers their salaries, including pensions, annuities and allowances.
by Lee Stepp
Governors
by Lee Stepp
Each caliphate is divided into provinces, each province possessing a governor apointed by their khalifah or wazir. Governors manage religious leaders, military officers, town guard and lower public administrators within his province. State expenses are paid by local taxes while whatever is left is passed up along the chain. It isn't uncommon for governors to skim their own share off the top but they are punished severely and replaced when found out. At the height of this empire, it was more common to appoint governors from the local population rather than sending one of their own, often keeping administration already in place and hiring these under their new government.
Military
Most soldiers are Arabiyy and Masriyyin supported by Siryan tribesman and conscripts from their territories in Kasar Wuta. These were divided up into four junds and stationed in ksar and ksour (fortified cities) throughout their territories. Outside of their navy, soldiers were divided into three groups, infantry, cavalry and ranged. They were also known to utilize war machines like the manjaniq (trebuchet), arradah (ballista) and kabsh (battering ram) alongside a unique construct which focuses the harsh desert sun through a glass lense. Their infantry specialize in close combat, especially favoring a kneeling spear wall, preceded by cavalry and supported by long range casters which utilize the desert sands. All of Ilnid's top generals are blessed with powerful blessings from their Pharaoh and there is no more fearsome a force within the desert. Khalifah al-Rasul has also come to rely on the loyalty of their non-Arabiyy citizenry, those they have ruled for thousands of years and are fully assimilated into their empire. They have a surprisingly strong relationship with countries in Kasar Wuta, especially among the Kanuri, Fulbe and Kanembu.
by Lee Stepp
Economy
by Lee Stepp
Despite being a conservative society, the lands of Khalifah al-Rasul are notably innovative in business and education. Each caliphate has their own internal structure and, at times, caste systems but their overarching government has no such discrimination. People of any gender and ethnicity are able to own land, capable of buying, selling, mortgaging and inheriting property for agriculture and business. Signatures are taken in these transactions, especially in the case of agriculture, industry, employment and commerce. Merchant capitalism and proto-free markets are practiced, based on the circulation of their currency, the dinar. Contracts, long-distance trade, mufawada (partnerships), mudaraba (limited partnerships), credit, promissary notes, waqf (trusts), savings accounts, debt, pawning, loaning, banking and even lawsuits occur within Khalifah al-Rasul.
Islam al-Rasul touches even the economy, as it touches everything else within these lands. The collection of Zakat (charity) is one of the Five Pillars of their faith. Alongside taxes, this money is used to feed the poor, elderly, orphans, widows and the disabled. In some urban and agricultural territories, there is even a welfare program which collects and pays money out to all citizens as an allowance.
Education
Before the establishment of the Accian Military Training Program, citizens of Khalifah al-Rasul held the highest literacy across all but their nomadic citizens thanks to systems and fascilaties left by Lithmor and improved upon by Ilnid. Children initially learn how to read from their parents but there are also public colleges in every major city with basic courses available to all citizens. Those who excell receive scholarship for further education. While their studies and literature are conservative and revolve around the study and memorization of the Quran, this has still led to a highly degree of education among their people.
by Lee Stepp
Law
Citizens of these caliphates aren't totally helpless to their government. While citizens are expcted to obey the laws of their khalifah, they are also encouraged to rebel against a khalifah who is unjust, ineffective or immoral. First attempts are meant to pass through a council called majlis al-shura, a consulative assembly, the same group responsible for electing the khalifah. If this impeachment falls through, if the community is straying from Islam al-Rasul or their leaders act outside of shariah, it is their obligation to rebel against an oppressive khalifah. It is the responsibility of the khalifah to uphold just, moral rule within sharia and to shield his people from sin as much as citizens are expected to place their trust in their leader and remain obedient. Within their own legal system and moral code, if an impeached leader refuses to step down, he becomes a dictator and they have every right to launch revolution, so long as they consider the potential collateral.
“Our Lord! We obeyed our leaders and elite, but they led us astray from the Way. Our Lord! Give them double punishment, and condemn them tremendously.”
"What destroyed the nations preceding you, was that if a noble amongst them stole, they would forgive him, and if a poor person amongst them stole, they would inflict Allah's Legal punishment on him. By Allah, if Fatima, the daughter of Muhammad stole, I would cut off her hand."
Laws within Khalifah Rasul are both harsh and equal. Despite lineage playing an important role in government, nepotism was carefully weeded out. This is sourced again in the Quran. All classess and castes are expected to be subject to the law, everyone from public officials down to the ordinary citizen expected to obey the law. Of course, corruption still exists and certain cases fall through the cracks, but at least publically and legally these are the expectations. Punishments are harsh and unilateral but there are many conditions in place that need to be met before consequences can be enacted, cushioning these decisions based on situational criteria. For example, one can't be punished for stealing out of poverty or during a drought. These laws are put into place and enforced by highly educated, legal scholars in the form of lawyers, jurists and qadi (judges). In particularly large cases, the khalifah himself attends as the judges make their final decision.
Status
There are three statuses within the empire recognized regardless of local caste systems. These are Arabiyy and Masriyyin muslims, foreign muslims and slaves. Before Ilnid rose to power, there was a fourth status which recognized non-muslims as citizens, charging them an additional tax, but after a series of rebellions by non-muslim citizens Ilnid has adopted zero tolerance to "immoral" or "heretical" citizens. When Khalifah al-Rasul overtakes a new territory, all inhabitants are given the choice to convert. Those who refuse are either slaughtered, expelled from their homeland and the empire or are made into slaves. The Arabiyy and Masriyyin are at the top of the social hierarchy, favored by Ilnid, and believe its their duty to save and rule over those they conquer so as to set them on the Right Path of Islam al-Rasul. As for those who refuse to convert, those that are made into slaves gain the status of dhimmi. They are legally designated slaves and considered the lowest form of citizenry. Even with this status, they are under constant pressure to convert and treated as lesser for being heretical. Only by converting can they free themselves but might still become a slave again if they have any percieved laspe in faith.
by Lee Stepp
Court
by Lee Stepp
Unsurprisingly, their Pharaoh is the head of the legal system, especially within Kemet. Enacting laws, delivering justice, maintenance of ma'at and sharia are all under his hand. Laws are founded on common sense and a black and white, right or wrong, view based heavily on the Quran. Citizens are encouraged to find compromises and settle agreements as resolution for smaller matters. Otherwise, courts are comprised of highly educated legal scholars or, in rural settings, a council of elders called a kenbet. In larger cases such as murder, land transactions and tomb robbery, the case is overseen by the presiding wazir, Grand Wazir or even Ilnid himself. Both parties represent themselves and swear an oath which puts their very lives on the line. In these major cases, Ilnid brings along one of his favorite pets, an Ammit. This ruthless creature has the ability to sense truth and honesty using Kanilwyr Racial Magic and will devour any brazen enough to break their oath!
Truth and justice are the backbone of these procedings, either Ilnid or his High Wazir both judge and prosecutor. There is no length they cannot go to extract the truth, even torture. All the while, scribes record every complaint, testimony and verdict. Punishments vary from fines, beatings, mutilation and even exile into the desert. Murder and tomb robbery usually result in execution by decapitation, drowning or impalement and punishments can even be extended to their family. The use of Mental Manifestations by a caster or mage, tapping into the knowledge of the planes or the mind of the accused, can be used to reach a verdict.
Truth and justice are the backbone of these procedings, either Ilnid or his High Wazir both judge and prosecutor. There is no length they cannot go to extract the truth, even torture. All the while, scribes record every complaint, testimony and verdict. Punishments vary from fines, beatings, mutilation and even exile into the desert. Murder and tomb robbery usually result in execution by decapitation, drowning or impalement and punishments can even be extended to their family. The use of Mental Manifestations by a caster or mage, tapping into the knowledge of the planes or the mind of the accused, can be used to reach a verdict.
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