Khilafat (خلافت)

The word Khilafat is derived from the word Khalifa (خلیفہ) which means Vicegerent. It is an institution of Muslim state-headship which is translated as Caliphate in English. Muslims throughout their history had the office and system of Khilafat for the head of their states. Khalifa is considered a political, religious and spiritual successor of Prophet Muhammad and a leader of the entire Muslim state. An eligible person who qualifies the set conditions besides being a learned and pious intellectual Muslim can rise to the seat of Khilafat.