What is a caliphate?
Q: What is a caliphate?
A: A caliphate is a state ruled by an Islamic leader known as a caliph. This person is considered to be the political-religious successor to the Islamic prophet, Muhammad, and a leader of the entire Muslim community.
Q: Who were the Rashidun caliphs?
A: The Rashidun caliphs were chosen directly after Muhammad as leaders of the Muslim community. They were selected through shura, which is thought to be an early form of Islamic democracy.
Q: How have other Muslim states claimed to be caliphates?
A: During the history of Islam after the Rashidun period, many Muslim states, mostly hereditary monarchies, have claimed to be caliphates.
Q: Are caliphs thought to have prophetic power like Muhammad did?
A: No, caliphs are not thought of as having prophetic power like Muhammid did.
Q: How should Sunni Muslims select their Caliph?
A: In Sunni Islam, a Caliph should be elected by Muslims or their representatives.
Q: How do Shia Muslims select their Caliph?
A: Followers of Shia Islam believe that a Caliph should be an imam chosen by God from the Ahl al-Bayt (the "Family of the House", Muhammad's direct descendants).
