Episode 202
In Islam, there is no excommunication process akin to that in Christianity.
While there is a figure known as the Caliph, they do not perform the same role as the Pope, and there have been other dynasties, like the Almohads, where rulers declared themselves Caliphs.
To Al-Nasir, Philip II’s words sounded utterly nonsensical.
He was the Caliph of the Almohads—who could possibly excommunicate him?
There are limits to absurdity.
“Excommunication? Are you saying you can excommunicate me, the Caliph? By whom, exactly?”
“Well, that would be the Prophet, or as you call him, the Apostle.”
That’s impossible, you fool.
Al-Nasir chuckled inwardly and sighed.
These disorganized Christian states clearly have no idea how our religion and country operate.
“I am the Caliph of the Almohads. The Caliph is the highest religious leader of the nation. If I were excommunicated, what would that even mean?”
Despite his clear explanation, Philip II scratched his head with a vacant expression, continuing to spout nonsense.
“Regardless, isn’t the Caliph still a follower of Islam? Even if there’s no excommunication process, if the Apostle doesn’t recognize you, wouldn’t that be meaningless? For example…”
Philip II glanced at Pope Peter II sitting beside him.
“Our Pope here is the supreme leader of Catholicism. But if His Holiness were to openly defy the Prophet’s words, what would happen?”
“Ahem, King Philip II. That would never happen. Why would I defy the Prophet’s words?”
“It’s just a hypothetical. If the Prophet conveyed God’s words and asked us to follow them, and His Holiness refused, could the Prophet excommunicate him?”
“The authority to excommunicate lies with the Pope, but honestly, what would it matter? If the Prophet doesn’t recognize me as a Christian, my life as a religious leader would effectively be over.”
“Exactly. I think so too. Both the Pope and the Caliph are human institutions. What meaning do human institutions have in front of a representative who can directly hear God’s words?”
Everyone around nodded in agreement.
It was a bit disconcerting, but it was just a play orchestrated by these Christians.
The unique culture of Islam, which has lasted for centuries…
“Neither the position of Sultan nor Caliph holds any meaning before the name of the Apostle.”
”…What?”
Sultan, have you lost your mind?
No matter how revered the Apostle is, to say that a single word from him renders the Sultan or Caliph meaningless—even when you are the Sultan yourself.
Saladin sighed softly, looking at the wide-eyed Caliph.
“Your Holiness, King Philip II is correct. After all, the title of Caliph originates from claiming succession to the Apostle. It means the successor of God’s Apostle, and here we have the Apostle himself.”
“No…”
“Strictly speaking, from the moment the Apostle descended, no one can arbitrarily use the title of Caliph in this land. Of course, if the Apostle acknowledges it, that’s a different story.”
He wanted to argue, but there was no logical flaw in their words.
What was the reason for claiming the title of Caliph in the first place?
It was to provide religious legitimacy for efficient governance.
The Caliph is the successor of the Prophet Muhammad, so Muslims should obey—something like that.
But if the Apostle himself is alive and well, doesn’t the title of Caliph become a contradiction?
What need is there to succeed a living person, and even if one claims succession, who decides that?
”…So, are you saying the Sultan believes the Apostle can excommunicate me?”
“Claim might be a bit misleading. It’s just such an obvious statement.”
“Obvious? The Almohads are my nation. I rightfully succeeded to this position. Who dares to tell me to step down?”
“It seems there’s a misunderstanding. No one is asking Your Holiness to step down as the leader of the Almohads.”
First, it was excommunication, and now they’re saying something else.
Al-Nasir, who had never been treated like this in his life, struggled to maintain his composure.
It’s all because of that Philip II.
That wretched man who first brought up this topic keeps scratching at people’s nerves with a nonchalant expression.
“As the Sultan said, you ascended to the throne through legitimate means. Even the Prophet cannot tell you to step down. Perhaps you could just relinquish the title of Caliph?”
“Isn’t that the same as telling me to step down?”
In the end, he couldn’t hold back and raised his voice.
But unlike his anger, Philip II continued to speak with a sly smile.
“They are distinctly different. The Caliph could part ways with Islam and create a new religion, or declare that religion is unnecessary. You would simply no longer be a follower of Islam.”
If creating a religion were easy, I would have done it already. What nonsense.
But showing weakness here would leave no choice but to surrender.
Determined to show that he wasn’t someone to be trifled with, Al-Nasir heard familiar voices from behind.
“Prophet! His Holiness’s words were independent and have nothing to do with us. I’ve never once defied the Prophet’s words!”
“Me neither! I’m still a devout Muslim! Excommunication? I have nothing to do with it!”
“Me too! Please, I beg you! Have mercy!”
Seeing the very people he had carefully selected and brought with him pleading to the Marshal made his head throb.
Blinded by the title of Caliph, he was the only one late to realize that discussing the current trend was meaningless.
Realizing the situation, Al-Nasir felt a chill run down his spine.
The most terrifying part was that Edward Marshal hadn’t uttered a single word while he was being bombarded.
People are inherently lazy and prefer not to do things themselves.
Auto-hunting, self-driving—if possible, everyone wants everything to be automatic. Isn’t that the ideal everyone dreams of?
Of course, if everything were automatic, it would be boring.
Sometimes, you have to turn off auto-hunting and take control yourself, or step away from self-driving to enjoy the simple pleasure of driving.
Watching Al-Nasir being pummeled from all sides felt just like that.
I wanted to toy with him, but why was Philip II having all the fun?
I wanted to enjoy the reactions while gently provoking with an innocent face.
But despite that regret, watching was still entertaining.
The charm of auto-hunting, where everything is taken care of without lifting a finger.
Especially watching Philip II smoothly roast him with a gentle tone was enjoyable in its own right.
I pondered whether to intervene or keep watching, but with the imams clinging to me, I had to say something.
“Now, now, everyone seems a bit overheated. King Philip II, I haven’t mentioned excommunicating anyone. I don’t even have the authority to excommunicate, so how could I say such a thing?”
“That’s true. But if someone disobeys the words you received from the Prophet, wouldn’t it be necessary to sound a warning? Otherwise, they might meet a grim fate like the Mongols who faced the smallpox plague.”
At the mention of smallpox, the imams who were kneeling turned pale.
“That’s an extreme case. God wouldn’t bring such a disaster for something like this.”
“But isn’t a warning necessary if they’re on the wrong path?”
“Well… yes, that’s true. Honestly, there’s nothing I can do about it. If someone decides not to follow the words given by God, all I can say is, ‘Oh, I see.’”
Spotting a phrase I could use in Al-Nasir’s status, I closed my eyes as if in prayer.
Then, with a voice full of compassion, I addressed him, who was tense with anxiety.
“During last year’s Ramadan, you broke the fast six times. I haven’t tried it myself, but Iberian olives and pomegranates must be quite delicious if they made the Caliph break the fast… Oh, and you missed a few prayers facing Mecca. You must have been very busy.”
“W-what are you saying…?”
Caught off guard by the unexpected jab, Al-Nasir stammered, trying to make excuses before falling silent.
With the cold atmosphere surrounding him and the revelation of secrets no one should know, it was impossible to continue feigning ignorance.
Seizing the moment, Philip II, sipping wine, posed a question to Saladin for all to hear.
“Wow… The Prophet’s power never ceases to amaze me. But isn’t it a requirement in Islam to observe Ramadan and pray facing Mecca? I’m genuinely curious—how many times can you skip these obligations?”
“If you truly have unavoidable circumstances, you should repent. But if you neglect them out of laziness when you have the means, then it’s a matter of questioning your faith.”
“So, the Caliph must have had several unavoidable circumstances, right? I mean, he was preparing for a large-scale expedition, so that makes sense. It’s not like someone of his stature would lack faith. Oh, and speaking of which, there are so many delicious crops from Iberia. I’ve tried quite a few myself, but I’m sure those here know them even better. Isn’t that right, King Alfonso VIII?”
“Ah… Yes, indeed. Our local specialties are quite remarkable. Now that you mention it, I brought some along. Since the Prophet hasn’t tried them, I’ll make sure to bring them to you right after the meeting!”
This is suffocating. Absolutely suffocating.
What if he starts crying?
By now, even the kings of the Iberian Peninsula were clearing their throats and glancing away from An-Nasir.
Anyone with a brain could imagine what would happen once they left this room.
The states bordering the Almohads are the Iberian countries and the Ayyubid dynasty.
And all their leaders are gathered here.
The moment the Caliph leaves, this place will turn into a forum condemning the evil enemy, the Almohads, who oppose peace.
It wouldn’t take long for the Ayyubids and the Christian states to reach an agreement on how to carve up Almohad territory.
If he overlooks such a simple fact and leaves, so be it.
A nation led by someone like that would be better off quickly dealt with for the world I’m envisioning.
“Is something wrong? If you don’t feel like participating in the council, you don’t have to. There’s no pressure; do as you wish.”
”…So…”
“Since the Caliph wishes to leave, please open the door. He’s come a long way, so we should see him off with due ceremony.”
An-Nasir, who had never had to plead with anyone since ascending to the position of Caliph at a young age, hesitated, clenching and unclenching his fists, opening and closing his eyes, gauging the situation.
Finally, he slowly knelt down and met my gaze.
“Prophet… I wish to participate in the council.”
That’s more like it.