Religion and principle of ummah in international relations: Evaluation of international law concept in terms of Islamic law

In this study, the concept of ummah in the Islamic religion has been examined in the broadest sense as a method of evaluating coexistence among differences. Furthermore, it investigates the influence of the ummah concept within the context of Islamic Law in shaping a sense of unity. In today's world, the interaction and communication between societies, both at the national and international levels, have become a significant area of study within the discipline of International Relations. The concept of religion has experienced a transformation in its relationship with the discipline of International Relations over time. It has shifted from being entirely rejected by the discipline to becoming an element that requires consideration. While the concept of religion has often been overlooked in the theoretical dimension of International Relations, its practical significance has consistently played a role in the formation and implementation of foreign policy. From its early stages, the field of International Relations in Islamic Law has been built upon a legal framework. Consequently, regulations were implemented, requiring Islamic governments to take unilateral actions without relying on the principle of reciprocity. Islamic International Law, which forms a subordinate element of Islamic Law and is fully dependent on its sources and methods, constitutes an open field that is receptive to change and development. As such, it provides the possibility of introducing new regulations within the framework of jurisprudence when necessary. In Islamic Law, the existence of different identities has been acknowledged and approached with a focus on understanding. Differences are valued as a source of richness, ultimately aiming to cultivate coexistence. In this context, equality among individuals has been recognized to facilitate peaceful coexistence of differences. The concept of ummah encompasses a scope that cannot be limited, and it carries an open nature to anyone who wishes to be part of it. In this context, the inclusiveness of the ummah concept, within the frameworks of "ummah of response" and "ummah of invitation", is a manifestation of its unifying effect. The best example of this understanding is found in the Constitution of Medina, which was established by Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) in the city of Medina. In this study, the concept of the "Principle of Ummah", which is considered as a characteristic of Islamic International Law, has been examined within the context of societal cooperation. The "Principle of Ummah" refers to the idea that all decisions and all actions taken (individual and institutional; private, social and commercial; administrative and political; national and especially international) should be guided by the principle of benefiting the collective ummah ("ummah of response" and "ummah of invitation"). Thus, with a non-theological conceptualization, the aim is to establish a principle that promotes inclusivity in intergovernmental, international and inter-societal individual and institutional relationships, fostering a mindset and behavior of nonothering and also in terms of social cooperation, to establish a peaceful coexistence at the national and international levels in accordance with the common principles. Islamic International Law encompasses regulations that address all of humanity and prioritize the well-being of all individuals. Within this framework, in all decision-making processes and in all actions taken, an evaluation is made based on the understanding of "ummah of response" and "ummah of invitation", with the principle of acting for the collective benefit of the ummah at the national and international levels. This principle is adopted on a fundamental level, guided by the idea of solidarity, promoting the overall welfare of the ummah. In conclusion, it is essential to emphasize that defining, embracing and adhering to the concept of ummah with the understanding of "ummah of response" and "ummah of invitation" can serve as a significant guiding principle in finding shared solutions within the framework of the "Principle of Ummah" for the common challenges of our world today. Keywords: Constitution of Medina, International Relations, Islamic Law, Religion, Ummah