The theory of the Caliphate is based on the principle that no specific text has been revealed or narrated from Allah or the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regarding the appointment of the Caliph. According to the Ahl al-Sunnah perspective, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) left the matter of the Caliphate and the methods of appointing the Caliph to the knowledge and insight of his Sahaba, and subsequently to the decision of the people of the covenant in each era. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never definitively appointed a specific person to govern the Islamic state after him, nor did he recommend a specific method for appointing his successor. Instead, he provided general principles and rules necessary for governance and the selection of a ruler.
Based on the belief that there are no specific texts regarding the caliphate of a particular individual and the absence of guidelines for the conditions and methods of appointing a Caliph, Ahl al-Sunnah scholars have relied on the words and actions of the Companions to affirm the legitimacy of the Islamic state, using their performance as a standard and model.
With respect to the authority of the Sahaba and their consensus regarding the Khulafai Rashidun, Ahl al-Sunnah have accepted the methods and conditions for establishing the four Caliphs as an ideal and legitimate example of the Islamic state. Of course, some narrations and references from the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) also indicate the caliphate of these Rightly Guided Caliphs.
Method of Appointing a Caliph
In the political system of the caliphate, there are three primary methods for establishing a ruler and establishing a caliphate, two of which are documented in the practices of the Companions. This indicates that both methods are legally considered optional, making the adoption of any of them within the political system legitimate. The third method is domination.
1. Choice of the People of the Contract
In the Sunni political system, the people of the contract are responsible for determining and electing the Caliph. This group is somewhat analogous to contemporary councils in some countries, although there are notable differences. The legitimacy of the people of the contract does not rely on their consensus or the presence of a specific number, but it is necessary for a sufficient number of them to be present to select the Imam and pledge allegiance to him. This choice is obligatory for the other Muslims to obey.
The people of the contract, known as the people of authority in Sunni jurisprudence, must meet three basic conditions:
1. Justice: including all related conditions and characteristics.
2. Sufficient Knowledge: to recognize the conditions of the Caliphate and identify those worthy of it.
3. Judgment and Prudence: to choose the most suitable and deserving person to protect the interests of the people.
From the Ahl al-Sunnah perspective, the affiliation of the people of the contract with the house of Caliphate does not bestow a religious privilege; it is merely a customary priority. This priority exists because the people of the Caliphate are typically informed of the death or removal of the Caliph sooner than others, and individuals qualified for leadership are often found within the house of Caliphate.
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