The Khaleefah is the man who represents the Ummah in the ruling and authority and in the implementation of the Ahkam Shari’ah (Divine Laws). Islam has decreed that the ruling and authority belong to the Ummah. It is she who appoints someone who runs that on her behalf, and Allah (swt) has made it obligatory upon the Ummah to execute all of the rules of Shar’a.

Since the Muslims appoint the Khaleefah, this makes him a representative of the Ummah in terms of ruling and authority and as well in the implementation of the rules of Shar’a. Therefore, He does not become a Khaleefah unless the Ummah gives him the pledge of allegiance (Bay’ah). By giving her Bay’ah to him over Khilafah she effectively appointed him as her representative. Through this Bay’ah the Khilafah is concluded to him, He therefore possesses the authority (Sultan) through the Ummah and they are obliged to obey him.

The man who rules the Muslims does not become Khaleefah unless the pledge of allegiance, i.e. the Bay’ah was given to him by the influential people (Ahlul Hall Wal Aqd) from amongst the Ummah , with choice and content. He should fulfil all the conditions required for concluding the Khilafah to him, and thereafter proceed to implement the Ahkam Shari’ah With regards to his title, it could be the Khaleefah, or the Imam or the Ameer of the believers. These titles have been narrated in sound Ahadith and in the Ijmaa’ of the Sahaba. The Khulafaa’ Ar-Rashidoon (first four Khulafaa’) have held such titles. Abu Said Al-Khudri reported that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:

“If the Bay’ah has been taken for two Khulafaa’ kill the latter of them.” [Narrated by Muslim] ‘Abdullah ibn al-‘A‘as reported that He heard the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) say:

“Whoever pledged allegiance to an Imam giving him the clasp of his hand and the fruit of his heart shall obey him as long as He can...” [Narrated by Muslim] Auf Ibnu Malik reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) say: 

“The best of your Imams are those whom you love and they love you and who pray for you and you pray for them...” [Narrated by Muslim] As for the title “Ameer ul-Mu’mineen”, the first to be called that was ‘Umar ibnul Khattab. Then it continued to be on the title given to those who followed him, at the time of the Sahabah and those who followed them. It is not obligatory to adhere to these three titles, rather it is allowed to give whoever takes charge of the Muslims’ affairs other titles. Any other title has, however, to indicate the same meaning such as ‘the ruler of the believers’ or ‘the head of the Muslims’ or ‘the Sultan of the Muslims’ or any other title that does not contradict with there meaning. As for titles which carry a specific meaning and which contradict the Islamic laws connected with ruling, such as the title of king or president of the republic or emperor, these are forbidden to be used by whoever takes charge of the affairs of the Muslims because they contradict the meaning of the laws of Islam.