An Exposition of Some Criticisms Against Khilafat-e-Rashida — Page 12
AN EXPOSITION OF SOME CRITICI SMS AG AINST KHILAFAT - E - RASHIDA 12 this interpretation and ascribed the injunction relating to the collection of Zakat as applicable to the successors of the Holy Prophet as well. In addition, we have proof in God’s Own doing for the establishment of individual Khilafat instead of a corporate entity. If He had intended a corporate body to succeed the Holy Prophet, He would have allowed this to happen, but what we witness is the fact that despite tendencies to the contrary, an individual was chosen as Khalifa. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that the add - ressing of the Khilafat’s promise to the people collectively and the usage of plural nouns in the verse has significant meanings. Firstly, it was intended to convey the fact that Khilafat would not be confined to one or two individuals but would extend to a con - siderable number of individuals from amongst the followers and the institution would continue in operation up to the last day. Secondly, it was intended that the believers should realise that the office of Khilafat was not an individual’s hereditary right but was to be bestowed upon a deserving individual through popular election latently supported by Allah’s hand.