Locating Ḥākimiyya in Global History: The Concept of Sovereignty in Premodern Islam and Its Reception after Mawdūdī and Quṭb

Abstract The concept of ḥākimiyya (sovereignty), as understood by its leading proponents, refers to the notion that it is God, rather than humans, Who possesses prerogative make laws. A concomitant this Muslims with political power and authority must recognise supremacy Islamic law. This notion, perhaps most notably articulated in modern times Abū al-Aʿlā Mawdūdī, may be viewed rearticulation ideas latent premodern juristic tradition, but whose incarnation emerged response legislative norms liberal colonial state. Despite articulation, against views several scholars, I argue qua sovereignty finds antecedents quite clearly scholarly tradition. Such an understanding leads into a discussion how conceptions can help us reassess influential Western articulations concept. also show Mawdūdī's younger contemporary, Islamist alim al-Ḥasan ʿAlī Nadwī, upholds despite his critique Mawdūdī Sayyid Quṭb's it. conclude brief reflection on our provincialise Europe global historical studies.