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At the death of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Muslims lost not only their Prophet but also their spiritual, religious and political leader. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) had not designated any successor during his own lifetime and the young Muslim community could not possibly survive without one. A
Leader, therefore, had to be selected who would not only be acceptable to the people but also worthy of the Holy Prophet’s ideals and objectives. The choice of the Muslims fell on elected Hazrat Abu Bakr who was then elected as the first Khalifah or Successor of the Holy Prophet. This electionor nomination of leaders in the Muslim community grew into an institution called the Khilafat or Caliphate.
The period of the four successors of the Holy Prophet, Hazrat Abu Bakr , Hazrat ‘Umar , Hazrat ‘Uthman , and Hazrat ‘Ali , is known as the Khilafat-i-Rashida (The Pious Caliphate). The promise of Khilafat-i-Rashida is linked to the following four conditions which the Ummat-i-Muslimah (Muslim Community) must fulfill:
- Should have strong belief (Iman ) in the Promise of God Almighty regarding the establishment of Khilafat-i-Rashida .
2 Should act righteously, as is desired of subjects of the Khilafat-i-Rashida .
3. Be willing to make all sacrifices for the establishment of the Oneness of God.
4. Under all circumstances, gives precedence to obedience to the Khalifah of the time, while keeping in mind the end of the proud people, which always results in disobedience and sinfulness.
The history of Islam clearly shows that as long as the Ummat-i-Muslimah (Muslim Community) kept taking care of the above four responsibilities, God Almighty kept providing them the blessings of the Khilafat