Is khilaafat similar to the parliamentary system?

Answer

Khilaafat simply means 'rule by representation'. The Ruler is called Khalifah or the Representative/Vicegerent. He is the Representative of Allah Azza Wa Jal via Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam). It is also proper to say that he is the Representative of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) or Khalifatur Rasool. He is also described as Allah's Shadow on earth by virtue of governing according to the Law of Allah Ta'ala.

The function of the Khalifah is to administer the Shariah, that is to govern the Ummah by the Laws of Allah Ta'ala. If he fails in this obligation and governs in conflict with the Shariah, then he will be the khalifah of Iblees.

There are a variety of ways for appointing the Khalifah. Some ways are valid and permissible while some methods are invalid and not permissible. Nevertheless, regardless of the method of appointment of the ruler, if he governs according to the Shariah, his Office will be legitimate and the Ummah is duty-bound to offer the oath of allegiance.

If a man usurps power in a haraam way, but succeeds to install himself as the ruler, and he governs in accordance of the Shariah, then his khilaafat will be valid and binding on the Ummah. Allah Ta'ala will deal with him for his sin of haraam usurpation of power from a lawful ruler whom he had deposed. But, as long as he governs according to the Shariah, rebellion against him is haraam.The Objective as far as the Ummah is concerned is the Shariah. As long as there is no diversion from this Objective, anarchy and strife are haraam.

Whether the ruler is appointed by senior Ulama, or by a powerful group of the population, or by an insurrection, or by an un-Islamic system such as western-type voting, or by a military coup, or by a monarchy or a hereditary system, or by any other method/system, whether halaal or haraam, he will be accepted as the legitimate Khalifah if he has succeeded to install himself as the ruler and if he governs strictly according to the Shariah.

The first Khalifah of Islam was Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu anhu) who was appointed by one senior of the Ummah, viz., Hadhrat Umar Ibn Khattaab (Radhiyallahu anhu). After his appointment, the masses offered the pledge of allegiance.

The second Khalifah of Islam was Hadhrat Umar Ibn Khattaab

(Radhiyallahu anhu) who was also appointed by one man, namely by the reigning Khalifah, Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiyallahu anhu). Before his demise, he directed that Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu anhu) be the Khalifah after him.

Prior to his demise, Hadhrat Umar (Radhiyallahu anhu), the Khalifah, named a Committee of six senior Sahaabah and directed that after him, the Khalifah must be appointed from the Committee of Six. Thus, Hadhrat Uthmaan (Radhiyallahu anhu) who was one of the Six, was appointed the third Khalifah of Islam.

H a d h r a t U t h m a a n (Radhiyallahu anhu) was unexpectedly assassinated by evil rebels. He did not have the opportunity to appoint the next Khalifah, hence Hadhrat Ali (Radhiyallahu anhu) became the fourth Khalifah of Islam by force of arms.

H a d h r a t M u a a w i y y a h (Radhiyallahu anhu) established the monarchical system. Henceforth the Khalifah was appointed by hereditary succession which is also valid in Islam. Both the Bani Umayyah and Banu Abbaas (Abbaside) dynasties were monarchical in nature. The Ottoman dynasty was also a monarchy.

Prior to the advent of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) the system of khilaafat established by Allah Ta'ala was monarchical. Thus monarchy was actually a creation by Allah Ta'ala. The Qur'aan Majeed explicitly states that Allah Ta'ala had ordained two institutions for Bani Israaeel: Nubuwwat and Monarchy.

While the Khalifah has to observe the Sunnah of Shura (consultation), his decision is final and binding. The Shura acts in an advisory capacity only. Furthermore, the Shura is not like a parliament. As far as a parliament is concerned, Hitler aptly summed up its fundamental attribute: "A parliament of a hundred baboons cannot arrive at a decision", or something to this effect. The Shura is not a permanent or an elected or a nominated committee of members. The Khalifah will consult and seek advice from people of experience in the specific sphere he intends acting. The Shura is not a formal structure/institution. The advice cannot be imposed on the Khalifah.

Regarding Khilaafat, the vital and primary concern or objective is the Rule of the Shariah, not the system of appointment of the Khalifah, The system of appointment is flexible and changes with time and the circumstances.

The Khalifah's rule is autocratic. If he is dubbed a dictator, it is quite acceptable. The difference between him and worldly dictators is that the Khalifah dictates the Law of Allah Azza Wa Jal, whilst other dictators dictate the law of Iblees and the Nafs.