What is Khilafah ?

The body responsible for the implementation of the divine laws (Ahkam Shariyah) and the propagation of Islam is known as the Khilafah. The Khilafah is the name given to the Islamic ruling system which is distinguishable from all other ruling systems. Based solely on the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet, the Khilafah system is unique. It is not similar to theocratic/autocratic/totalitarian/democratic/dictatorial or any other ruling system that we know of. 

Khilafah state is also referred to as Dar al-Islam or Islamic State. It is the common leadership of all Muslims in the world. Although some refer to the system by the name of Imamah, the actual ruling system is one and the same. Numerous authentic traditions (Ahadith Sahiha) of the Prophet confirm this. Whilst either name can be used to identify the system, Islam demands that the Muslims adhere totally to the Islamic system these Hadith describe. The Muslim Leader who is appointed by the Ummah as head of the Khilafah is known as Khalifa (also referred to as Imam or Amir ul Mu'minin).

Allah(swt) commanded us to live by His law and Rasulullah (saw) demonstrated to us how to implement those laws comprehensively through the Khilafah system. Implementation of Islam is impossible without the presence of Khilafah . Rasulullah (saw) said :

“ The affairs of Bani Israeel were looked after by the prophets. After each prophet died, he was succeeded by another prophet. There is no prophet after me, but there will be Khulafaa (plural of Khalifa). They asked,” what do you order us to do? He replied , “ Give them bay’ah one after another, for Allah will ask them about what He entrusted them with.” [Bukhari]

“Indeed, the Khalifa is a shield, from behind whom you fight and by whom you are protected.” [Muslim]