Khalifah (Caliph/Successor)
The political and religious leader of the Muslim community after the Prophet's passing.
Khalifah (caliph) means "successor" or "representative" and refers to the leader of the Muslim community (ummah) after the passing of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In Sunni Islam, the four rightly guided caliphs (al-Khulafa' al-Rashidun) are recognized: Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Uthman ibn Affan, and Ali ibn Abi Talib.
The rightly guided caliphs played a crucial role in the preservation and standardization of prayer practice. Abu Bakr preserved the Prophet's sunnah during a time of apostasy (riddah). Umar established the tarawih prayer as a congregational prayer during Ramadan. Uthman standardized the text of the Quran. Ali was known for his deep devotion in prayer — it is said that an arrow was removed from his leg during prayer without him noticing.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The caliphate after me will last thirty years, then it will become a kingdom" (Sunan al-Tirmidhi). The period of the four rightly guided caliphs lasted from 632 to 661 CE and is considered in the Sunni tradition as the golden era of Islamic governance.
Related terms
Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)
The greatest Islamic holiday, celebrated in remembrance of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son.
Hujjah (Proof/Divine Authority)
Allah's proof over humanity — a title for the Prophet and the twelve Imams.
Sahih al-Bukhari (Bukhari's Authentic Collection)
The most authoritative hadith collection in Sunni Islam, compiled by Imam al-Bukhari.
Tashahhud (Testimony of Faith in Prayer)
The testimony of faith recited in the sitting position during prayer.
Du'a Tawassul (Supplication of Intercession)
A supplication where one asks Allah through the intercession of the Prophet and Ahl al-Bayt.
Waqt (Prayer Time)
The specific time interval within which a prayer must be performed.