Court of the Caliph of Islam

[Voshkod]

Court of the Caliph of Islam - Jerusalem

After Mecca and Medina, Jerusalem is the third-holiest site in Islam. And the center of it is the as-Sakhra, the rock from which the Prophet Mohammed left on his night journey, climbing a ladder of light through the seven heavens unto the very presence of God. On this holy place the ninth Caliph, Abd al-Malik, built the Qubbat As-Sakhrah, or the Dome of the Rock, the great pilgrimage shrine. Next to the Dome stands the al-Aqsa Mosque, where worshippers can gather to pay homage to Allah.

Between the Dome and the Mosque a small edifice arises. Long and low, built like a madrassah, it is the new home of the Caliph of Islam and the Alims of the Grand Council. Each Alim has small but comfortable quarters, cool in the summer's heat, and a small group of servants to ease his daily burdens, leaving his mind free for considering the deep issues of Islam. The Caliph himself, the Mongol Odchigin Sacha, has slightly larger quarters at one end of the structure, the walls covered with ornate carpets from lands beyond Samarkand.

Between the two sets of rooms are the library, brimming with books on Islamic theory and practice, history, and studies of the infidels, and the meeting room, a round high-ceilinged hall with many seats and cushions.

All scholars of Islam are welcome before the Caliph.

 

[Voshkod]

Honors of Islam

Sayf ud-Islam ("Sword of Islam") - responsible to seek out devil worshipers and heretics, also responsible to see to that people declared as Irtidäd are punished for there crimes - vacant

Amir l Muminin ("Commander of the Faithful") - responsible for coordinating muslim forces in case of a Jihad - vacant

Amin l Haqq ("Guardian of the Truth")- responsible to help muslim rulers seek peacefull solutions in conflicts between them. - vacant

Wali l Hudus ("Protector of the by Allah enforced law") - responsible to see to that Islamic law is uphold in Dar l Islam. - vacant

[OOC: With regards to Prince Eugene, from who's thread I stole liberally]

 

[Voshkod]

The Grand Council of Alims

Caliph Umah created of the Grand Council of Alims, which met in near the Caliph's palace in Angora. The current Caliph has extended the council, which some minor changes.

Council Votes:

Al-Andalus: 1 [Vacant]
Algiers: 1
Al-Rus (Russia): 1 [Vacant]
Bilad Al-Alman (Germany/HRE): 1 [Vacant]
Bilad Al-Engleez (England): 1 [Vacant]
Bilad Al-Hind (India): 1 [Vacant]
Bilad Aseeen (China): 1 [Vacant]
Bilad El-Orobiun (Central Europe): 1 [Vacant]
Candar: 1 [Vacant]
Dulkadir: 1 [Vacant]
Fez: 1 - Represented by Omar Al-Andalus
Golden Horde: 2 (Astrakhan) [Vacant]
Hedjaz: 3 (Mekkah, Medina)
Idhalyia (Italy): 1 [Vacant]
Khazak Horde: 1 [Vacant]
Mamlukes: 4 (Cairo/Egypt, Jerusalem/Judea, Syria) - Represented by Yazid bin Murad
Nogai: 1 [Vacant]
Oman: 1 [Vacant]
Ottoman Empire: 2 (Ankara) - Represented by Tuna Artun
Persia: 1
Qara Koyunlu: 1 [Vacant]
Timurids: 4 (Samarkand, Baghdad, Caliph)
Tunisia: 2 (Kairoun)

Alims from several other parts of the world are permitted to sit and discuss, but not to vote.

 

[Voshkod]

Vacant

 

[Voshkod]

The Court is Open

 

[Voshkod]

The Mongol sat upon the navel of the world and took a long puff from a tall waterpipe. In the sacrosanct privacy of this own room, he leaned back on the cushions and blew a pale blue smokering across the room, felt the opium begin to chase its tail around his brain.

The navel of the world. The rock in the mouth of the serpent Tahum, the nexus between the earth and the underworld. The rock upon which Abraham was told to spill his son's blood. The foundation stone of Solomon's temple, the resting place of the Ark of the Jews. The threshing floor of Tammus Adonis, the old temple of Jove.

The resting point for the golden ladder which Mohammed climbed to face God.

Odchigin Sacha took another puff, as if more of the dragon's breath could reveal all of the layers that enshrouded this rock, this hill, then he put the pipe aside before his brain was befuddled. He lifted his quill, dipped it in the red ink he preferred, and in a spidery script began to draft his first command as Caliph.

 

[Voshkod]

A note arrived at the quarters of each Alim.

My learned brothers, pray take the time to inform me when you have arrived in Jerusalem, so I may greet you properly.

Odchigin Sacha

[OOC: Just a quick note w/ the name of your alim, so I can keep a list. Thanks.]

 

[unmerged(31994)]

Yazid bin Murad, taken from his comfortable quarters in Cairo, was forced to stay in Jeruslem.He informed the clerics of his arrival.

 

[unmerged(4271)]

Omar Al-Andalus of Fez has arrived and remains in his quarters, resting from the journey.

 

[Prince Eugene]

Tuna Artun, Alim of Bursa, presented himself before the Grand Council and took his quarters among the other holy men.

 

[Voshkod]

The Alims sat in the meeting room, sprawled on cushions or sitting straight in chairs, as their habits might declare. The Caliph of all Islam, a Mongolian born on the border with China, sat on a pile of cushions putting the final touches on an ornate scroll. One end of his jet-black mustache was being twirled in one hand, while the other pulled the quill across paper in swoops and whorls. Tea was being offered by silent servants, and a few hookahs sat unused. Finally, Odchigin Sacha looked up.

He spoke, his voice quiet and strange, his lilting accent marring his Arabic. "The wheels of the world turn, my learned brothers. Once the swords of Islam swept like great waves over the world. The wheels turned. Crusader swords poured our blood into the streets of our holy places. The wheels have turned again. It is time for our swords once more."

He lay the scroll on a low table and motioned for all to gather to review it. "In the lands of the dawn they have a saying: 'There is great disorder under heaven, and the situation is excellent.' That is where we are now. Pray read this fatwa, advise on changes, and then approve, so we can send it to all faithful leaders."

A Fatwa on the Righteousness of Jihad in Al-Andalus​

Allah commands that "the punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His apostle and strive to make mischief in the land is only this, that they should be murdered or crucified or their hands and their feet should be cut off on opposite sides."

Allah's permission to fight "is given to those upon whom war is made because they are oppressed, and most surely Allah is well able to assist them."

The flags of Islam once waved in al-Andalus. Great cities of the faith stood there, Cordoba and Toledo, holy mosques and learned madrassahs.

Crusader swords have driven the children of Allah from al-Andalus. The Crusader Pope orders his misguided followers against us.

Did not Allah say to his prophet Mohammed, "O Prophet! urge the believers to war; if there are twenty patient ones of you they shall overcome two hundred, and if there are a hundred of you they shall overcome a thousand of those who disbelieve, because they are a people who do not understand."

God commands war against the Crusaders in al-Andalus. War against them is just, and jihad against them is commanded. All faithful leaders shall send armies to al-Andalus, to destroy the Crusaders, to restore al-Andalus. All faithful leaders who, for vagaries of geography, cannot send men shall open their vaults and give freely of their gold to those that send blood.

Musa Al-Tariq of al-Andalus is named Amir l Muminin for this jihad.

Rise up, men of faith, sharpen your swords and know that your cause is just! Freedom for al-Andalus, and a return of the faith of the far reaches of Dar al-Islam! These are the watchwords of this jihad.

The Koran says "those who disbelieve shall be the vanquished ones in war." Our just victory is assured, for God is with us.

Ordered this day by Odchigin Sacha, Caliph of All Islam, and approved as just and proper by the Grand Council of Alims in Jerusalem.

 

[unmerged(31994)]

Yazid looked at the treaty with a critical eye "I do not agree my Caliph, let us not declare a Yihhad in Al-Andalus.The North African states are in shambles, and such a move would terrify Europe, brining their armies upon our capitals (OOC: A crusade) I for one say, let us continue this silent Jihad, without much pompus and words spoken.Keep it quiet, for Allah knows what is in our hearts, that is my opinion.The first muslims did not go on direct Jihad against the pagans, but it took them years of planning, without much talk!Algeirs,Fez,Tunis and Egypt are not as strong as we may imagine, and this move would seriously cause much talk"

 

[Blade!]

The Arrival of Aaminah Jamila al Umm-Hakim

At 44 years of age, the longest serving Alim, appointed in the time of Caliph Maalik Ar Rasheed, was feeling the effects of time. Her staff formerly ceremonial had become more practical in nature. Born and driven from Granda, the orphan from the Umm-Hakim Orphaned Girl's School in Al-Andalus, had become a leader in the Mujahir community in youth, and later an advisor to the House Zayyanid representing the Mujahirs. Later in life through her work with the Ulama and the Timurid Alim Shafi Ibn Ali al-Asqalani travel was made to the east into the lands of Al-Thibet. Finally, in this era of short lived Caliphs she moved residence to Acre, where she leads the revival of Islam in Samaria and Lebenon; the building of mosques, and aiding of pilgrims to the Holy Places. It is for the Moslems of the Holy Lands she enters this chamber.

"Salaam Alekum, Caliph Odchigin Sacha... may your wisdom and strength of this proclaimation, defend, and advance, and lead us in this time of weakening resolve."

 

[Blade!]

The Arrival of Qazi-i-Tariq

Qazi-i-Tariq, Alim of the Almohad Maghrib, oversaw the council and debates of scholars from Algeria and Morocco, interceding on matters of jurisprudence, and fostering debate where possible. Once an unbeliever, or at least a man of faith in name only, challenged by the words of the Zenata's Reverend Mother, he strode intot he desert and lost his sight to the unforgiving nature of the desert and God. He returned a different man, with a new name; one who was absolute in his devotion to the faith and scholaship. Qazi-i-Tariq was appointed and sent as Alim for Algeria upon Jamila's withdrawal from the Maghrib, in the time of Caliph Hisham ibn al-Watik. Best known for his udy of comparative theology.

He stands at the doors with tears in his blind eyes, taking a breath before he speaks.

 

[Prince Eugene]

Tuna Artun addressed the council:

"Surely by now news has reached us all of the great tragedy that has occured outside the walls of Granada. Surely the great Akbe Mohammed saw the beauty of the Alhambra before he was slain, and surely he rests now in heaven with many virgins on green pillows serving and feeding him...

Though the Muslim world has suffered a great loss, there are reasons that this happened and there are ways to prevent disasters from happening on this scale again. I refuse to speak ill of the dead, however the Muslim army invading Iberia did so on their own initiative without consenting with the council or any other nations of Islam beyond their coalition.

Defeats such as this one make it clear that we seek a peace with Christendom, even if it be temporary. The Sultan Mehmed has written to me and informed that he will not permit the Christians to overrun Africa, however he wishes that all of Islam push for peace with the nations of Iberia and the Papacy. We cannot seek jihad against the infidels in Iberia unless we wish to see repeated defeats at the hands of the Castilian and Portuguese kings."

 

[Blade!]

The Arrival of Qazi-i-Tariq, Pt. 2

...He stands at the doors with tears in his blind eyes, taking a breath before he speaks....

"Akbe Mohammed... Sultan of the House Zayyanid, Almohad Emperor, Emir of Morrocco... Defender of the Faith... has fallen in battle at the gates of Malaga!

That is all I know, it is a sad day for the Moors and of all Islam. Hopefully, we will hear that this is a falsehood soon."

The blind man, led before the Caliph by his aides, tried to gret and affirm the new Caliph, but had to be led away to sit down before he could complete.

 

[unmerged(31994)]

Alim Yazid "I agree with the Turks my friends, the Almohad emperor, may he be in the heavens of Allah as a mayetur, we must sure for peace with the christians.I fear they might try to ovverrun Africa.We can not possibly do anything more, let us cease hostilities "

 

[unmerged(4271)]

"What the Turkish Alim says is not true!" said Omar Al-Andalus, Alim from Fez.

"Countless days and nights did we wait in Angora, myself and one of the sons of the Sultan, a crown Prince, humbly requesting audiences to discuss this matter with both the Caliph and whatever representative of the Sultan Mehmed that might provide us an audience.

Nothing. Not even the courtesy of refusal. I am an old man. My days are numbered. So their value and how I use them is quite dear to me. Yet they were wasted, day in and day out, begging for some response from the Turks, and receiving nothing but a deaf ear.

So do not say that there was no consultation on this issue. This ill news can not be blamed on poor decision making. To shirk one's duty is one thing, but to dishonor those who did step up to (cough, cough) fight bravely while others turned away, that is disgraceful. If the armies of Islam have been defeated it is because of the refusal of their brother nations to help them.

I am offended by these claims, claims I can refute through my own personal witness, that no attempts to enlist strategy and aid were made.

But I more troubled by the questioning of the Holy struggle for which they gave their lives, Algerians, Fezians, Egyptians, and Andalusians. Who dares to question the mission of the restoration of Al-Andalus, who among us can claim that it was unjust and unworthy? Who now, in the (cough, cough) face of adversity cowers behind the mask of prudence?

Was it not written by the departed Caliph Hisham ibn al-Watik himself, and Caliph Umah Omsa'ir before him that Al-Andalus must be liberated at all costs and that the Iberians are infidels?

I mourn greatly the news we receive from the (hack!) West. Reports are scattered but seem to bode ill for us. I am willing for us to consider what we can and cannot do to go forward. While Al-Andalus must be restored, it cannot be done, as the Alim from Egypt says, if it means the destruction of all Dar Islam.

But at the same time (cough, cough) I will not abide these dimissals and revision of history!

I will accept the counsel of my peers on this issue, but this is an issue of faith, not politics. I will yield to and respect the (hack) decision of the Caliph.

My personal advice, however, is to wait until the smoke at last clears before deciding our course of action."

(cough, cough)

 

[unmerged(31994)]

"The Almohad Empire is in destruction and devestation, Egypt can do little to support you, the Portugese, the christians, the Iberians, the Papal states will easily ovverrun your cities!We must sign a peace treaty at once, for the good of Islam!Al-Andalus has ben avenegd in the battle of Grenada, but I will not accept a war that will bring death upon every city from Egypt to Fez!this war, this spilling of blood, must cease at once!but if our enemies refuse, Egypt will stand beside the Almohads, regardless of animosity *sigh* this is a dreadful day *Alim Yazid shakes his head* Victory was close, but defeat was closer, at least, the death of so many was not in vain, Castille, once a monster, is now defenceless and weak, yet Portugal and the pope are to be watched closely!Let Allah be our guide!Egypt shall defend her brothers!
But....but...I am afraid we can not.The crusaders will attack us too, and I doubt Egypt can strain her forces throughout Northen Africa...We shall withdraw our troops to protect Jeruslem!Cairo!Demascus!and Alexandria!as for our enemies...I believe this is where our good relations with them come in, we shall try to negotiate with them, but as for the battle field, I doubt we can do anything"Yazid was tiered, he wanted to cry, he wanted to collapse, he felt the pain of the Alim from Fez, and the pains of all those who died, but the odds are against everyone, perhaps , perhaps, Africa can be saved in the future, and then Al-Andalus....
He then continued "If Egypt is to die with her brothers then so be it...." His last remark showed the indisputable resolve of Egypt.

 

[Voshkod]

Odchigin Sacha spun the left side of his mustache slowly. So much power, he mused. I raise my right hand, and fifty thousand men march to war and bloody slaughter. I raise my left, and blessed peace over the land.

When he finally spoke it was slowly, and he chose his words with great care. "The death of Akbe Mohammed, lord of the Zayyanids, is a great and terrible blow to Islam, but as we mourn, let us be glad in our hearts for him, for he is with God now, receiving his just rewards in Paradise, saluted as a martyr.

"A heavy decision faces me, and I will lean heavily on the Ulama Council. Should we, safe in Jerusalem, make the decision that will throw thousands of more men into the bloody maw of the furnace of war? Or should we pour oil upon the roiled waters of the Middle Sea, and work for a brief peace with the infidels?

"First I turn to Fez and the Zayyanids, with this simple question: Have your nations the men and will to continue this battle in the face of the defeat at the gates of Malaga? For if Fez and Algeria must falter, then the war cannot continue."