By Dr. Abdul-Rahman Irfan, Wilayah Afghanistan

The ongoing wars in various parts of the world, especially the war between Russia and Ukraine, and the recent conflict between Iran and the Zionist entity, clearly demonstrate that the world has entered a new and distinct phase of military and intelligence warfare. The outdated, traditional view of war that is based on large infantry forces, tanks, and artillery is rapidly changing and collapsing. Today, powers like the United States, China, and Russia are allocating massive budgets to advanced military industries, and are actively redefining the methods of modern warfare. Battles on today’s frontlines are no longer limited to bullets and rifles. They have become battles of algorithms, artificial intelligence, drones, cyber networks, and satellite waves.

In Ukraine, simple commercial drones have successfully destroyed Russian tanks and aircraft. In Gaza, the Zionist entity carried out mass killings using thousands of Artificial Intelligence-powered drones. On the first day of the war, it assassinated several top Iranian military commanders. China has expanded its cyber army, and the United States is investing in the next generation of laser weapons and electronic warfare.

This growing competition carries a clear and serious message about the wars of the future: the nations leading in military technology, and defense industries will be the dominant powers. Future wars will rely less on human soldiers, and more on machines that operate tirelessly, without fear, without the need for rest. In the coming decade, humanoid robots will gradually be integrated into the frontlines, and operations, of advanced militaries. Autonomous systems will replace human pilots. Drones will carry out reconnaissance and attack missions; and decision-making authority will shift to complex algorithms. In these future wars, superiority will not be determined by physical courage alone, but by intelligence, technology, and the ability to effectively use advanced methods and tools.

The fundamental question is: where are we Muslims in this equation? The painful truth is that the Khilafah (Caliphate), which was once at the forefront of military power and innovation on the battlefield, no longer exists today. We lack this state that not only defends the Ummah, but also possesses the power of deterrence and military initiative.

Our history is rich with shining examples of military excellence. During the era of the Khilafah (Caliphate), Muslims achieved decisive victories in battles such as the Battle of the Trench, Mu’tah, Yarmouk, Nahavand, the conquest of ash-Sham, and Constantinople, despite facing enemies’ superiority in numbers and equipment. These victories were made possible through precise strategy, innovative combat spirit, and unwavering Iman. Sadly, today, in the absence of the Khilafah (Caliphate), that same Ummah has become a victim of bombings, and proxy wars on its own soil.

If the Khilafah (Caliphate) does not exist today, should we as an Ummah remain passive and merely spectators? Absolutely not. It is our duty to strive with all our strength and resources to re-establish the Khilafah (Caliphate) on the Method of Prophethood. This effort is not only a Shariah obligation, but also an urgent necessity to compensate for the intellectual, political, and military setbacks the Ummah is suffering from.

From the Islamic perspective, the concept of preparation as mentioned in the Noble Qur’an,

﴿وَأَعِدُّوا لَهُمْ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ مِن قُوَّةٍ﴾ “And prepare against them whatever you are able of power.” (TMQ Surah Al-Anfal 60)

It is not merely a technical phase that begins after the establishment of the Khilafah (Caliphate). It is a continuous historical Shariah obligation upon the Ummah. Preparation at all levels from the individual, to the collective, is a Shariah obligation, and neglecting it constitutes disobedience to the command of Allah (swt). While it is true that full and organized preparation can only be achieved under the leadership of the Khilafah (Caliphate), this does not absolve the Ummah of responsibility before it is established.

It is essential for Muslims to begin laying the foundations of military strength, by cultivating political and military awareness among themselves, establishing scientific networks, and forming research teams focused on military industries. We cannot passively wait for the state to be established and only then begin preparations. On the contrary, when the Khilafah (Caliphate) is established, there must already be trained and equipped technical, engineering, military, and leadership teams in place, so that the Khilafah (Caliphate) can rapidly transform from an emerging state into a global military power. This is exactly what the world powers have done, and the Islamic Ummah has no right to fall behind.

It is self-evident that an unprepared Ummah will hinder its state, while a prepared Ummah will elevate it to greatness and glory. We, as an Ummah, are entrusted with carrying the Rayah banner of Islam, and leading humanity and this leadership can only be realized through a strong and fully equipped state, especially in military, technological, and industrial capabilities. The Ummah of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) is not meant to be a mere spectator to others showcasing their power. Instead, it must be the one driving the greatest military and technological transformations of this century. This path begins today through intellectual and political work to establish the Second Khilafah Rashidah (Rightly-Guided Caliphate) upon the Method of Prophethood.