What do Sunni Muslims accept as the true leaders of Islam?

Answer 1

Sunni Islam does not follow dynastic lines, from its beginings, Islam has been democratic in terms of the rules. Although accusations have been thrown that is what Mohamed was trying to establish, and it may be true, if any "dynastic line" existed in Islam it would be the descendants of Ali, whom Mohamed formally adopted as a son. Although the most well known Hashemite is King Abdullah of Jordan, technically he would not be king of the Arabian peninsula, here's why;

1) I do not believe Abdullah descends from Faisal's oldest son, and Faisal is the defactor modern "founder" of the Hashemite dynasty.

2) Members of the Hashemites, the majority of them live in Great Britain, under the protection no less, of Britain's own royal family. The Hashemites in Britain enjoy much privelege, and many are Oxford educated, in Great Britain today, I believe working as a doctor, or whatever profession requiring an advanced degree, is the direct descendant of King Faisal, a descendant, that is, of Faisal's oldest son, if anyone is "King of the Arabs" it would be him. Most British nobles, despise the Al-Saud, both out of greater respect for the Hashemites, and British interests, if they were to see a monarchy in the Arabian peninsula, they would much prefer the Hashemites there, in fact early in the 20th century that is what they tried, however the royal family of Iraq was brutally massacred, few survivors managed to escape.

3) Most Muslims would prefer a Caliphate or an Islamic republic, over a monarchy, especially many Saudis. What the majority of modern Muslims want, especially young people in their late teens and early 20's, the "college generation" of today in the near east, is an Islamic Republic, something that combines a republican democratic government like the one enjoyed in the U.S. but governed by Sharia law. If Faisal's great grandson were to be place on any throne, anywhere, it would be a disaster, you are looking at rioting, looting, civil war, the whole nine. Abdullah is able to rule Jordan, largely because many of the Beduin there, fought alongside the Hashemites to free the region from Turkey, hence, he holds power more from gratitude towards the family, than "recognition for the dynasty," Abdullah is respected and recognized as leader not because of his lineage, but because his grandfather brought victory against the much hated Turks. If you want the specific history watch "Lawrence of Arabia," the events of King Abdullah's family of the early 20th century, are dramatized in that silly movie with the silly "the Arabian desert is romantic" orchestral score.

http://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=RuxHLzwlDY4

"The desert is so romantic and magical." That is what the orchestra says.

Tell that to all the heroin, prostitute and arms smugglers.

Of this you can be sure though, the royal family of Jordan knows who T.E. Lawrence is. Betchu money that King Abdullah personally knows either old men who actually met him, or the sons of people who knew him.

Answer 2

It depends on the Muslim in question, but perhaps the best answer would be: God Himself.

Historically, the leader of Sunni Islam was the Caliph of the successive Rashidun, Umayyad, Abbassid, and Ottoman Caliphates until the position was abolished in 1924. Sunni Muslims, though, have been wary of central religious authorities because of their penchant for corruption, even for centuries before the dissolution of the Caliphate. As result, the religion is, by and large, congregationalist. However, there are certain leaders like 3olemaa (Islamic Scholars - also latinized as Ulemaa), Foqahaa (Islamic Jurists - also latinized as Faqihs), and Muftis who are held in high communal esteem and whose opinions are strongly regarded, though not binding, because of their Islamic education. With the rise of televangelism, certain Imams like Sheikh Qaradawi (from Egypt) and Zakir Naik (from India) have become very famous and influential. Millions of Muslims follow these and other televangelists.