Khalifah
Definition
Khalifah — vicegerent or successor — is the role Allah announced for humanity before Adam was even created. The angels heard the word and expressed concern: 'Will You place therein one who causes corruption and sheds blood?' Allah's reply was immediate: 'I know what you do not know.' Al-Ghazali and Ibn Kathir both read this exchange as the most important theological statement about human dignity: humanity was chosen for a sacred trust — to represent divine will, uphold justice, and steward the earth — not because they were sinless but because they had a capacity for knowledge, moral choice, and repentance that made them uniquely suited for the role.
As understood in the classical tradition of Ibn Kathir and the scholars of his school.
How the scholars use Khalifah.
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"He should say: "In the name of Allah, what Allah wills will be, there is no might except with Allah. Allah is sufficient for me; I relied on Allah. What Allah wills, no one brings benefits but Allah, no one averts harm but Allah. Allah is sufficient for me, and He suffices. Allah hears those who call; there is no end beyond Allah, nor refuge except Allah."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 17: Etiquettes of Travel
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"the Royal Library of Egypt. The story of Jesus, son of Mary, the servant of Allah and his messenger. Allah the Exalted says in Surah al-Imran, addressing the Christians, May the curse of Allah be upon those who claim that Allah has a son. Exalted is Allah above what they say. A delegation from Najran came to the messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, and spoke of their belief in the Trinity, claiming that Allah is the third of three, including Jesus and Mary. In response, Allah revealed the beginning of this Surah, clarifying that Jesus is a servant of Allah, created in the womb just as others are. He was created without a father, just as Adam was created without"
— Ibn Kathir, Volume 2 — From the Israelite Prophets to Pre-Islamic Arabia
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"pits entrance. Daniel asked, who is this? Armia replied, I am Armia. Daniel asked, what brought you? Armia answered, your Lord sent me to you. Daniel then praised Allah saying, praise be to Allah who does not forget one who remembers him. Praise be to Allah who answers one who hopes in him. Praise be to Allah who does not entrust one who trusts him to others. Praise be to Allah who rewards good deeds with good. Praise be to Allah who rewards patience with deliverance. Praise be to Allah who removes our difficulties after our distress. Praise be to Allah who safeguards us when we suspect our deeds. And praise be to Allah who is our hope when our plans fail."
— Ibn Kathir, The Prophets of Bani Israil
Appears in
1 book in the library
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