Khilafat-e-Rashidah — Page 148
148 KHILAFAT-E-R A SHIDAH In summary, the four reasons mentioned in the verse prove that Khilafat in this verse does not refer to the Khilafat of kingship. So when God says that, “We shall favour those Khulaf a ’ as We have favoured the previous ones,” It means that just as the Prophets, who were before them, have been favoured by Allah, the Almighty, so shall these Khulaf a ’ be favoured. Therefore, in this verse the resemblance is towards Khilafat of Prophethood, and not with the Khilafat of kingship. Promise of Khilafat Conditional upon Faith and Acts of Goodness The third thing that can be deduced from this verse is that the promise with the ummah of the Holy Prophet sa only applies until the time the ummah remains established upon faith and acts of goodness. When it deviates from faith and acts of goodness, Allah, the Almighty will withdraw His promise. Thereby, a great difference is mentioned between Prophethood and Khilafat. Prophethood is established when the world is filled with evils and chaos. As it is mentioned: (Al-R u m, 30:42) “Corruption has appeared on land and sea. ”