Arabic · noun · Faith & Sacred History
Khilaafat
ख़िलाफ़त
said khi-laa-FAT
also written: Khilafat, Caliphate
Meaning
The institution of the caliphate; also humanity's vicegerency, its office as God's deputy on earth.
Literally: succession, deputyship
Usage & notes
Iqbal uses khilaafat for both the political leadership of the Muslim community and the deeper idea that the believer is God's vicegerent charged with shaping the world. The dignity of vicegerency raises human action to a sacred trust.