What was the political structure of the first century AH, and are there similarities between the pre-Islamic Jahiliyyah and the Jahiliyyah of the twentieth century?

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, clarified the political stages that the Muslim nation would go through. He mentioned that prophethood would last as long as Allah wills, then it would be lifted. Then there would be a Caliphate upon the Prophetic methodology, then it would be lifted. Then there would be a tyrannical rule (mulk 'aad), then it would be lifted. Then there would be an oppressive rule (mulk jabri), then it would be lifted. Then there would be a Caliphate upon the Prophetic methodology once again.

What existed during the time of prophethood and the Rightly Guided Caliphate was a period of complete application of the teachings of Islam. What came after that was tyrannical and oppressive rule, and callers at the gates of Hell.

To confront this evil, it is obligatory to cling to the community of Muslims and their Imam. If that is not possible, then one should isolate oneself from all those sects. The duty of a Muslim in a time of widespread tribulations is to adhere to the Sharia in himself and his household, and to strive to spread the truth to the best of his ability.