A Re-examination of the Qur’anic–Civilizational Thought of Sheikh Shamil ‎Daghestani

Sheikh Shamil Daghestani, living in a period marked by intense political and military tensions, sought ‎to elevate Qur’anic teachings beyond theoretical concepts and turn them into practical plans for ‎governance structure and civilizational movement in the Caucasus. The key question is how he ‎managed to achieve this transformation under such difficult circumstances and what features ‎distinguish his Qur’anic–civilizational thought. Using a historical–interpretive discourse analysis ‎method, this study demonstrates that in Shamil’s worldview, the concept of tawhid is presented as a ‎tool for liberation from foreign domination. This concept served not only as the foundation of ‎religious faith but also as a motivation for political resistance and the pursuit of independence. ‎Moreover, the concept of jihad extends beyond its military dimension and is interpreted as a ‎comprehensive process aimed at social reform and the construction of a cohesive and justice-oriented ‎community. Shamil’s initiatives in establishing independent financial and educational systems reflect ‎this civilizational a pproach, aiming to strengthen unity and self-sufficiency in the Caucasus. Based on ‎Qur’anic principles of justice and wilaya, innovative political and social structures—such as the ‎Muridism system—were created to promote cohesion and solidarity among diverse ethnic groups in ‎the region. This politico-social system, founded on participation and adherence to a spiritual leader, ‎successfully fostered remarkable unity. A comparison between Shamil’s thought and contemporary ‎Islamic movements, particularly Wahhabism, reveals that his emphasis on mysticism, tariqa, and ‎spirituality constitutes his most significant distinction from more rigid and strict approaches. ‎Ultimately, Shamil’s thought represents a model of civilizational governance shaped through a ‎practical, dynamic, and comprehensive interpretation of the Qur’an—one that, beyond his military ‎achievements or failures, continues to serve as an inspiring example for the Islamic world and ‎civilizational studies.‎