What are the qualifications of the Khalifah?

Answer

The Khalifah should certainly be an uprighteous man of high Taqwa and profound Knowledge. However, the legitimacy of the Khalifah and his khilaafat is not reliant on Taqwa. Even a faasiq can be the legitimate Khalifah if he has managed to install himself in the seat of power whether by hook or crook.

Once a Muslim has installed himself as the Khalifah whether by Shura of the senior Ulama, or by a hereditary process (monarchy), or by force of arms, or by an army coup, then he will be recognized by the Shariah as the legitimate Khalifah. And, as long as he rules the land in accordance with the Shariah, obedience to him will be Waajib. It will be haraam to rebel against him even if he is a faasiq-faajir.

Thus, there are two imperative conditions for the legitimacy of the Khalifah:

1) He has to have sufficient power to install himself – power to rule the land.

2) He must govern the land according to the Shariah.

In the absence of any one of these conditions, his 'khilaafat' will be illegitimate.

There is no geographical or any other requisite for a legitimate Khilaafat.