The Genesis of Islamic Provincial Governance: Administrative Structures and Gubernatorial Appointments During the Prophetic Era (1-11 AH/622-632 CE)

Elbane Mahfoudh Elidrissi; Suleiman Salem Alsaraireh; Muhammad Ahmad Ibrahim Aljahsh

doi:10.32350/jitc.162.12

Authors

Elbane Mahfoudh Elidrissi Al Qasimia University, United Arab Emirates https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2201-2219
Suleiman Salem Alsaraireh Al Qasimia University, United Arab Emirates https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9281-0091
Muhammad Ahmad Ibrahim Aljahsh Al Qasimia University, United Arab Emirates https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9761-011X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32350/jitc.162.12

Keywords:

administrative history, charismatic authority, early Islamic state, late antiquity, Prophetic era, provincial governance, Rashīdūn caliphate, Riddah Wars

Abstract

Provincial governance under the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, had evolved between 1-11 AH/ 622-632 CE encompassing six principal regions: al-Madīnah, Makkah, al-Ṭāʾif, Yemen, al-Baḥrayn, and ʿUmān. Our study is based on twenty-three documented gubernatorial appointments, which are analyzed using isnād-cum-matn methodology, evaluation of transmission gaps, and comparative perspectives drawn from late antique Byzantine and Sasanian practices. Collectively, these reports illuminate the criteria for appointing governors, the scope of their authority, the mechanisms of their oversight, and the fiscal and judicial responsibilities entrusted to them. During the Prophetic period, it can be noted that provincial governance derived directly from the personal authority of the Prophet, peace be upon him, himself, rather than from a formally codified office or hereditary tradition. The transmitted directives likewise exhibit a consistent normative core across independent lines of transmission: Justice (ʿadl), facilitation (taysīr), and fiscal integrity recur throughout. The Riddah Wars (11-12 AH / 632-633 CE) revealed this administrative model. Political integration in the outlining regions remained tied to the Prophet’s personal authority and did fully transfer an impersonal successor after his death. Under ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb, may Allah be pleased with him, the implemented measures represent corrective institutional developments addressing the limitations that had become apparent. Accordingly, they are better understood as adaptive refinements rather than direct continuations of the Prophetic administrative arrangement.

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