Set a precedent. If a Prophet's daughter, most likely Fatima, or wife (possibly A'isha) manages to access to legitimately rule in her own right, though briefly, Female caliphs could get mainstream acceptance.
Problem is, the Caliph has to perform religious tasks that require ritual purity. A fertile woman has a monthly problem with it.
There can be workarounds, but it's going to be challenged.
If you go for a PoD that far back, you could easily change some of the OTL standards of Caliphs. You could make it more of a ceremonial role rather than being both secular and religous.
Hmmm, but more female Caliphs could mean heavy challenges to Islamic law as well. Or at least different interpretations. Plus the precedent of a truly strong female Caliph could actually result in legitimate Sultanas and Emiras controlling areas. Like Delhi, where Raziya managed to rule, but was not really considered legitimate.Set a precedent. If a Prophet's daughter, most likely Fatima, or wife (possibly A'isha) manages to access to legitimately rule in her own right, though briefly, Female caliphs could get mainstream acceptance.
Problem is, the Caliph has to perform religious tasks that require ritual purity. A fertile woman has a monthly problem with it.
There can be workarounds, but it's going to be challenged.