The meaning of the word “caliph” can be translated as “successor” or “deputy”. This title was given only to selected Muslims, whose faith and devotion to Allah knew no bounds.
The Caliph is a Muslim leader, elected to lead the country's secular and spiritual life. But his rule was not unlimited, since he had to obey the laws written in Sharia. For the deviation from the truth, the ruler was expected not only by contempt from the Muslims, but in some cases it could be death. But first things first.
The appearance of the first caliph
In order to understand what a caliph is, one should look to the origins of the Muslim world.
It all started with the prophet Muhammad, who was able to unite the warring tribes under a single banner of faith. For this, they began to honor him as if he were a saint whose strength and knowledge were bestowed by Allah himself. But, like any mortal, Muhammad expected death. After the death of the prophet, it was necessary to find a new leader, so that his work would not be in vain.
So, in 632, the path of Muhammad was continued by his faithful disciple - Abu Bakr. But his power lasted only two years, since in 634 he died suddenly in connection with an incurable disease.
But still the seed was planted. And since then, the caliph is a title given to a person who is considered the viceroy of a prophet on earth. His words and deeds should serve the benefit of all Muslim peoples and thereby glorify Allah.
The history of the caliphate
Immediately after the death of Abu, the title of Muslim leader passed to Umar ibn al-Khattab. First of all, he began military campaigns, the purpose of which was to conquer the lands of the infidels. And he did it very well, since he managed to defeat the Byzantine and Persian armies, whose forces at that time were unshakable. Umar also managed to take Jerusalem. But death was ruthless and was not afraid to pick up such a powerful warrior. His life ended in 644.
What is the caliph, the third leader of Muslims did not understand well, at least that is what many historians think. Usman ibn-Affan did not have a strong spirit, unlike his predecessors. In the ranks of his close associates, he recruited relatives and friends, which raised doubts about his wisdom and righteousness among other Muslims. And although he captured such a great country as Sogdian, dissatisfied Muslims still staged a coup and stabbed him.
The fourth caliph was Ali ibn Abu Talib. He was a relative of the Prophet Muhammad, or rather his cousin. It was he who became that "bone of contention" that finally divided the Muslim world into Sunnis and Shiites. During his reign, the country was constantly harassed by civil wars and battles for the throne, so it is not surprising that he died from a poisoned blade. After this, the feud for the throne of the Caliph continued continuously.
In the history of the first four caliphs they are called righteous, since they stood at the origins of Islam. Thanks to their deeds, the Muslim faith was able to disperse so widely around the world, bringing together millions of believers.
The difference between Sunnis and Shiites
In all currents of the Muslim faith, the caliph is a witness to the Prophet Muhammad on Earth. But the problem is that Sunnis and Shiites have different views on who can become them.
So, according to the traditions of the Sunnis, the leader of the community can be any Muslim whose candidacy fits the requirements of Sharia (a set of laws in Islam). Most caliphs in history have been Sunnis, since it is this branch of Islam that has the largest number of adherents.
Shiites have their own opinion on this matter, or rather, only the direct relatives of Muhammad can be vested with the power of the caliph. That is why of all the righteous caliphs, they recognize only Ali ibn Abu Talib. In the history of the caliphate, few rulers from the Shiites sat on the throne.
Caliph: Defining Title Applicants
In order to become a ruler, it was necessary to comply with the strict rules of Sharia. According to him, the caliph is a person who has the duty to protect the borders of the Muslim world, monitor the quality of life of his subjects, suppress crimes and glorify Islam before other faiths.
So, according to Sunni laws, the caliph must meet the following criteria.
- It can only be a man.
- The candidate must be a righteous Muslim and know all the laws of Sharia.
- Have a sound mind and not have congenital diseases.
- To have a sense of justice and not be afraid of dangers.
As for race, the Quraysh had an advantage, but representatives of other Arab tribes could become caliphs. Moreover, if there were no Arabs among the candidates, then a white man could be awarded the title, if only he sincerely believed in Allah.