Caliphate | state ruled by an Islamic leader

Author: Leandro Alegsa Creation date: November 13, 2022

A caliphate (Arabic: خِلافة khilāfa) is a state ruled by an Islamic leader known as a caliph (Arabic: خَليفة khalīfah pronunciation (help·info)). This is a person considered a political-religious successor to the Islamic prophet, Muhammad, and a leader of the entire Muslim community.

The Rashidun caliphs directly succeeded Muhammad as leaders of the muslim community. They were chosen through shura, a process of community consultation that some think is an early form of Islamic democracy. During the history of Islam after the Rashidun period, many muslim states, mostly hereditary monarchies, have claimed to be caliphates. Caliphs were not thought of as having the same prophetic power as Muhammid did.

In the Sunni branch of Islam a caliph should be elected by Muslims or their representatives. Followers of Shia Islam, however, believe a caliph should be an imam chosen by God from the Ahl al-Bayt (the "Family of the House", Muhammad's direct descendants).

Questions and Answers

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).