Islam and power: between the sacred and real politics

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the specific nature of power in the Islamic world, where the boundary between the religious and political spheres remains blurred. The author explores the evolution of classical institutions such as the caliphate, sultanate, and emirate, highlighting their theological and administrative foundations. Particular attention is devoted to the role of spiritual authorities—ulema, muftis, and qadis—and the influence of sharia on the legal system. Using the examples of contemporary Morocco, a sacral monarchy, and authoritarian Egypt, the text demonstrates how historical concepts of the umma and the sacralization of power adapt to contemporary political realities. It is a compendium of knowledge on the mechanisms governing Muslim states, explaining the dynamics of the relationship between the sacred and real-world politics.