meaning of the word "Caliph" can be translated as "successor" or "deputy".This title was given only to the elite Muslims, whose faith and devotion to Allah knew no bounds.
Khalifa - a Muslim leader, elected to lead the secular and spiritual life of the country.But his reign was not limitless, as it had to obey the laws written in the Shari'ah.During the retreat from the truth ruler awaited not only by the contempt for Muslims, but in some cases it could be death.But first things first.
appearance of the first caliph
In order to understand what the caliph should pay their attention to the origins of the Muslim world.
all started with the Prophet Muhammad, who managed to unite the warring tribes under a single banner of faith.For this he came to be revered like a saint, whose power and knowledge were bestowed by Allah.But, like any mortal, Mohammed expected death.After the death of the Prophet had to find a new leader, so that his efforts were not in vain.
Thus, in 632 the way Muhammad continued his faithful disciple - Abu Bakr.That's just his power lasted only two years, as in 634, he died suddenly due to an incurable disease.
Still, the seed was planted.And ever since the caliph - a title, giving the person who believes the governor of the prophet on the earth.His words and deeds must serve the good of all Muslim nations and thus to glorify God.
History of Caliphate
Immediately after the death of Abu Muslim leader's title went to Umar.First, he began military campaigns, the aim of which was the conquest of the land of the infidels.And he did it very well turned out, as he was able to break the Byzantine and Persian armies, whose forces in those days were steadfast.Umar also managed to take Jerusalem.Yet death is ruthless and not afraid to take such a strong warrior.His life was cut short in the 644 year.
What Caliph, poorly understood the third leader of the Muslims, at least as many historians think.Uthman ibn Affan, did not differ much in spirit, in contrast to his predecessors.In the ranks of his entourage, he gained friends and relatives that raised doubts about his wisdom and righteousness from other Muslims.And although he took a great country as Sogdian, disgruntled Muslims still staged a coup and killed him.
became the fourth caliph, Ali ibn Abi Talib.He was a relative of the Prophet Mohammed, but rather his cousin.It became the "apple of discord" that finally split the Muslim world into Sunnis and Shiites.During his reign, the country constantly plagued the civil war and the battle for the throne, it is not surprising that he died from a poisoned blade.After this feud for the throne of the Caliph continued constantly.
In the history of the first four caliphs called the righteous, as they stood at the origins of Islam.It is thanks to their deeds Muslim faith could disperse so widely around the world, bringing together millions of believers.
difference between Sunnis and Shiites
All flows Caliph of the Muslim faith - a witness of the Prophet Muhammad in the world.But the problem is that the Sunnis and Shiites have different views on who they can become.
Thus, according to the Sunni tradition, the leader of the community could be any Muslim whose candidature meets the requirements of Sharia (law code in Islam).Most of the caliphs in history were Sunnis, as it is this branch of Islam has the largest number of adherents.
Shiites have their own opinion on this matter - or rather, the power of the Caliph can confer only direct relatives of Muhammad.That is why all of the righteous caliphs, they recognize only Ali ibn Abi Talib.In the entire history of the Caliphate few rulers from the Shia sat on the throne.
Caliph: the definition of contenders for the title
order to become a ruler, had to comply with strict rules of Sharia.According to him, the caliph - is a person on whom rests the obligation to protect the borders of the Muslim world, to monitor the quality of life of its citizens, prevent crime and glorify Islam before other faiths.
Thus, according to the laws of the Sunni Caliph must meet the following criteria.
- This can only be a man.
- applicant must be a righteous Muslim and know all the laws of Sharia.
- Have common sense and do not have a congenital disease.
- have a sense of justice and not be afraid of the dangers.
As for the race, the advantage was with the Quraish, but also representatives of other Arab tribes could become the Caliph.Moreover, if the candidates were not Arabs, it could award the title and the white man, if only he sincerely believed in Allah.
