The Hijaz by Malik Dahlan

Review by Amineh Najam-ud-din

The short:

This book is the first international, legal-historical treatment of the Hijaz, the first Islamic state in Mecca and Medina. Malik Dahlan provides an in-depth account of the Hijaz, going back over 1500 years to examine the politics of the Caliphate, the development of Islamic statecraft as rooted in Shari’a tradition and its role in the collective identity of the Arab world.

The long:

The Hijaz, west of present-day Saudi Arabia, was the birthplace of the Islamic State, and Islamic political tradition. Dahlan provides a strong summary and analysis of the early history of the Caliphate and its politics, refuting the idea that modern Arab statehood is a product of Enlightenment notions of self-determination, rather, he argues that it is the outcome of the Hijaz’s early development of Islamic statecraft. Dahlan also rejects al-Qaeda and ISIS’ appropriation of Islamic governance. He provides both an Islamic as well as a legal understanding of Islamic militant groups and the public security threats they pose. Dahlan explores the two occasions on which the Hijaz itself enjoyed autonomy- in the seventh and twelfth centuries- and even argues that its statehood should once again be renewed to provide a positive framework of Islamic governance. He analyzes the role of current Arab States as members of the international legal system and the geopolitical challenges they face around ideology and statehood, taking a deep dive into international law and its impact on The Hijaz throughout the 20th century. He uses international law as a lens through which he analyzes the geopolitical threats the region has faced by colonization, war, and the Islamic State (DA’ISH). Dahlan’s broad coverage of the Hijaz’s development throughout history serves as a great introduction to the emergence of Islamic governance and its implications for modern statehood.

The read or not to read:

Read. If you have an interest in the Middle East, Islamic history, or international law, this book is for you. Dahlan’s argument remains clear through the book, and his inclusion of Islamic law alongside international law is incredibly interesting, especially for those interested in how international law may apply in the Middle East. This book is also a great tool for those looking to understand the political development of the Arab States.