Topic 2 Islam and Vicegerency (Khalifah)

The word Khalifah is derived from the Arabic word Kha-la-fa.
Choose TWO accurate meanings of Kha-la-fa:

• To be successful

• To replace

• To succeed

• To implement

Technically, the meaning of Khalifah can be divided into THREE which are:

• Vicegerency of Prophet Adam A.S

• Vicegerency of the believers

• Vicegerency of all men on earth

• Khalaif: the coming nation succeeding the past nations

ثُمَّ جَعَلْنَاكُمْ خَلَائِفَ فِي الْأَرْضِ مِن بَعْدِهِمْ لِنَنظُرَ كَيْفَ تَعْمَلُونَ

"Then We made you successors in the land after them so that We may observe how you will do." (Surah Yunus:14)

The word khalaif in the verse refers to:

• those who follow Prophet Adam AS

• the generations that are better in all aspects

• those who have been given intellect

• the nations that came after the past nations who had perished

وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَكُمْ خَلَٰٓئِفَ ٱلْأَرْضِ وَرَفَعَ بعَْضَكُمْ فَوْقَ بعَْضٍۢ دَرَجَٰتٍۢ

"For He it is Who has appointed you vicegerent over the earth and has

exalted some of you over others in rank" (Surah al-An'am: 165)

From the verse, choose the ACCURATE understanding of the distinctive feature of human vicegerency.

• The amanah given to man was first offered to other creations.

• Man has the capability to rule others.

• Allah honours man through the appointment as vicegerents on earth.

• All creatures give their services to man.

State TWO classifications of Khalifah and briefly explain them.

Among the duties of Khalifah of Khilafah al-Khassah are:

• Collect taxes from Muslims and non-Muslims.

• Appoint officials he prefers.

• Solving legal arguments amongst the people.

• Impose laws based on his own wisdom.

Which is NOT CORRECT?

• Khalifah Ammah refers to vicegerency of all men on earth.

• Sound judgment is not an important criterion for a leader.

• A leader must be free from any deficiency, be it physical or mental.

• Knowledge is as important as courage in a leader.

Choose the EXAMPLES that accurately indicate the concept of Khilafah al-Ammah.

• The right authority takes action on certain groups spreading deviant teachings in the country.

• A technologist, Mr A, develops an application that promotes cyber security, protecting the country against hackers.

• Haji Husin encourages his sons to attend jama'ah prayer at the masjid from their early years.

• Prospective officials must pass certain exams before being appointed by the government.

State TWO key qualities of a Muslim leader highlighted in the Qur'an.

State 3 criteria for the appointment of Khalifah as outlined by the Muslim scholar, al-Mawardi.