What is a caliphate? A caliphate is essentially an Islamic state which resides over the entire Muslim faith. Its head of state is called the caliph, who will interpret and implement the will of Allah on Earth. Sunnis and Shiites differ in their beliefs on how a caliph should be selected. Sunnis believe they are elected by the people. Shiites believe a caliph should be an imam, a religious teacher, descended from the family of the prophet Muhammad, and who is chosen by Allah. There are four recognised caliphates, with more than 100 caliphs serving since the death of the prophet Muhammad in 632 AD. Caliphs from the first caliphate, the Rashidun Caliphate, were elected with subsequent caliphs appointed though succession or takeovers. In theory, the declarations of a caliphate are binding for all Muslims; however, their authority must be recognised for this to happen. Source: Keysar Trad, spokesman for the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils.
Posted on: Fri, 08 Aug 2014 23:04:53 +0000
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