the title "caliph" gradually changed its original sense...

the title "caliph" gradually changed its original sense signifying the dual religious and political power. there was then a subsequent significant loss of the actual political power of the caliph when he no longer ruled all of the regions under the caliphate name. many regions, locally, established power or raised their local ameers as independents not following the central government of the caliphate. the caliphate became so weak that its power was usurped by other tribes such as saljuqi turks.

as a result of lack of islamic practice among the authority, the abbassid caliphate began to break down. many independent governments emerged mostly the shi'a independent governments as buyids in iraq and iran, and the fatimids in egypt. Islamic Faith "islam" is the name of the religion of god revealed to prophet muhammad(p.). the word "islam" is derived from "salam" which literally means peace. it is called islam because it teaches everyone to think, act and live peacefully.

furthermore, it has chosen the phrase "assalam alaikum" (peace be upon you) as the regular greeting for muslims to signify this goal. when islam is properly understood and implemented, one will live in a peaceful mind, a happy family and in harmonious community. a community that looks upon all human as equal. the only difference among them would be their deeds and behavior. the qur'an says, " . . .

in the sight of god, the most righteous is the one who is the best in conduct." the qur'an, 49:13 faith in islam is not a blind obedience rather, it is based on reasoning and thinking. the qur'an says, " i preach you one thing that you rise up for the sake of god jointly and singly, then think." the qur'an, 34:46 therefore, in islam there is no force to accept the islamic faith without understanding.

the qur'an says, " there is no compulsion in religion." the qur'an, 2: 256 Unity of god the first doctrine in islam is the unity of god, and it is the source of other doctrines. the qur'an says, "there is none worthy of worship but one only one almighty god, the creator of the earth and heaven. he is free from all defects, i.e., holy . he is all mercy and all power. he has no partner. he neither begets nor is he begotten and none is like him.

the qur'an 112:1-4 Prophethood the second doctrine is the continuity of prophethood upto prophet muhammad (p.). as human mind had developed since the creation, god taught humanity various religions.