It is a sad reflection of the general low state of the Ummah that people will find whatever excuse they can to abstain from the work of resuming the Islamic way of life by re-establishing the Khilafah.  Many excuses are given for not engaging in this work but the most deplorable excuse that is thrown in the face of the Hamala Dawa is the play on words.  It is often said "why are you calling for the Khilafah, when the Quranic meaning of Khilafah is entirely different from that which you call for and when so many Khalifahs have been tyrants and evil doers?" Often such people do not object to the notion of an Islamic state, they simply object to the name i.e. Khilafah and Khalifah.  Others disagree with the concept and use the name and associated arguments as an excuse.  Both however have one thing in common, that is they abstain from working for the establishment of the Islamic State.

Without examining the many issues relating to the concept of Khilafah the point has to be made that the name, which is Islamic, should not be used as an excuse to stop engaging in this work of Islam.  Indeed it is quite possible upon establishing the Khilafah that another name will be used for the head of State, such as Imam or Amir.  Even though the following Hadiths clearly demonstrate that the name Khalifah is indeed Islamic.

Abu Hurairah reported from the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) who said:

"The Prophets ruled over the children of Israel.  Whenever a Prophet died, another Prophet succeeded him, but there will be no Prophet after me. There will, soon be Khalifahs and they will number many.  They asked 'What then do you order us?' He said: fulfil allegiance to them one by one. Give them their dues.  Verily Allah will ask them about what He entrusted them with."

(Bukhari, Muslim). 

In another Hadith, Abu Sayeed reported that the Prophet said:

"When oath of allegiance has been taken for two Khalifahs, kill the last of the two." (Muslim).

Abullah-b-Amr-b-al-as reported in another Hadith that he heard the Messenger of Allah say:

"He who swears allegiance to a Khalifah should give him the pledge of his hand and the sincerity of his heart (i.e. submit to him both outwardly as well as inwardly).  He should obey him to the best of his capacity.  If another man comes forward (as a claimant to the Khalifah) disputing his authority, they (the Muslims) should behead the latter." (Muslim)

From these evidences it is quite clear that the name Khalifah is synonymous with the leadership of Muslims.  Thus, an evidence for the name Khalifah to be used by the leader of the Islamic State (Khilafah), however, this does not mean that only the name Khalifah is correct.  Indeed the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) spoke about the leadership of Muslims in a variety of ways, using Amir and Imam as well as Khalifah.  This is apparent from the following Hadiths:

It has been reported on the authority of Nafi that Abdullah-b-Umar said: I heard the Messenger of Allah say; "One who dies without having bound himself by an oath of allegiance (to an Amir) will die the death of one belonging to the days of Jahiliyya (ignorance). (Muslim)

Abdullah-b-Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah said:

"Whoso takes an oath of allegiance to an Imam and gives him the palm of his heart, let him obey him if he can.  If another comes to quarrel with him, strike the neck of the other." (Muslim).

From these evidences it is quite clear that all these names are Islamic, being synonymous with the leadership of Muslims. As such they should-be cared for, it is not appropriate or correct to

leave these names in favour of the names of ignorance such as Prime Minister and President.  These names have a specific meaning and characterise the systems they head.

Accordingly it is not important or worthwhile to engage in discussion about the appropriateness of the name Khalifah and Khilifah, other than to say that they are Islamic names.  The important point is the concept of Khalifahate i.e. "The general leadership of all Muslims in the world, which establishes the hukum sharai (Islamic Judgements) and carries the invitation of Islam to the world."

Muslims and Islam will not benefit by the arguments over the suitability of the name Khilafah, but what is evident is that Muslims need the Khilafah and Islam needs Muslims to work for its establishment.