THE TRUE METROPOLIS--MECCA.
In the last chapter the position of the Ottoman Sultans towards the mass
of Orthodox Islam was sketched, and the foundations were shown on which
their tenure of the Caliphal title rested. These I explained to be
neither very ancient nor very securely laid in the faith and affections
of the faithful; and, though at the present moment a certain reaction in
favour of Constantinople had set in, it was due to accidental
circumstances, which are unlikely to become permanent, and was very far
indeed from being universal. It may be as well to recapitulate the
position.
The Sunite or Orthodox Mohammedan world holds it as a dogma of faith
that there must be a Khalifeh, the ex-officio head of their religious
polity, and the successor of their prophet. In temporal matters, whoever
holds this office is theoretically king of all Islam; and in spiritual
matters he is their supreme religious authority. But, practically, the
Caliph's temporal jurisdiction has for many centuries been limited to
such lands as he could hold by arms; while in spiritual matters he has
exercised no direct authority whatever. Nevertheless, he represents to
Mussulmans something of which they are in need, and which they are bound
to respect; and it cannot be doubted that in proper hands, and at the
proper moment, the Caliphate might once more become an instrument for
good or evil of almost universal power in Islam.
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