Welcome to Ahmadiyyat, The True Islam — Page 286
− iv. The Institution of Khilafat − At the death of the Holy Prophet , the Muslims lost not only their sa Prophet but also their spiritual, religious and political leader. The Holy Prophet had not designated any successor during his own lifetime and the sa young Muslim community could not possibly survive without one. A leader, therefore, had to be selected who would not only be acceptable to the people but also worthy of the Holy Prophet's ideals and objectives. sa The choice of the Muslims fell on elected Hadrat Abu Bakr who was then ra ± ± − elected as the first Khalifah or Successor of the Holy Prophet. This election − or nomination of leaders in the Muslim community grew into an institution called the Khilafat or Caliphate. − The period of the four successors of the Holy Prophet, Hadrat Abu ± ± − Bakr , Hadrat ‘Umar , Hadrat ‘Uthman , and Hadrat ‘Ali , is known as the ra ra ra ra ± ± ± ± − ± ± − Khilafat-i-Rashida (The Pious Caliphate). − − (A Book of Religious Knowledge, Waheed Ahmad, p. 153) The promise of is linked to the following four Khilafat-i-Rashida − − conditions which the must fulfill: Ummat-i-Muslimah 1. Should have strong belief ( ) in the Promise of God ‘Iman − − Almighty regarding the establishment of Khilafat-i-Rashida. − − 2 Should act righteously, as is desired of subjects of the Khilafat-i-Rashida. − − 3. Be willing to make all sacrifices for the establishment of the Oneness of God. 4. Under all circumstances, gives precedence to obedience to the of the time, while keeping in mind the end of Khalifah − the proud people, which always results in disobedience and sinfulness. 286