| Summary: | This thesis deals with al-Mawardi's concept of the imamate as expounded not only in al-Ahkam al-Sultaniyyah, but also in his other political treatises which are related to the subject. It is divided into a long introduction, two chapters, and a conclusion. After first introducing the controversial issue of the imamate and its historical background, the introduction exposes al-Mawardi's life, career and works, and discusses views on him expressed by modern scholars. The first chapter discusses the nature of the imamate focusing on its origin and necessity, the methods whereby the imam comes to power, the imam's duties and the possibilities for him to be deposed. The second chapter examines the political subdivision within the imamate and its consequences, namely, the presence of other institutions: the wazirate and the amirate. The conclusion sums up the general concept of the imamate in the works of al-Mawardi.
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