Contents

Foreword

The Institution of Khilafat

The Meaning of Khilafat-e-Rashida

The First Era of Khilafat-e-Rashida

The Second Era of Khilafat-e-Rashida

Khilafat-e-Rashida–An Everlasting Era

Criticism of the Institution of Khilafat

I. Is Khilafat Individual?

The Holy Quran Promises Collective Khilafat Rather Than Individual Khilafat

II. Can Khilafat Lead To Dictatorship?

Distinctive Features of Khilafat-e-Rashida

Basic Distinction Between Khilafat and Dictatorship

The Necessity of Obedience to Khilafat-e-Rashida

Difference Between Khalifa Rashid and a Dictator

III. Elected by People and Chosen by God

Indirect Selection by God

God’s Hand in Indirect Selection

God’s Hand Moves in the Shadows

Khilafat Ascribed to Allah

Quaranic Authority for Khalifa

Votes Not Enough

Authority From the Holy Prophet

The Belief of Abu Bakr

The Belief of Omar

The Belief of Usman

The Belief of Ali

The View of the Promised Messiah

Stand Taken by Promised Messiah’s Khalifas

Stand of Ancient Dignitaries

IV. Demands of Abdication

Prayers in the Event of Illness or Incapacity

V. Can Khilafat Exist Without Clear Authority?

The Nomination of Hazrat Ali

Conclusion