Khilafat
Spiritual succession and authority conferred within an order.
Literally: vicegerency; the caliphate
The institution of the caliphate and, more broadly, the principle of vicegerency — humankind's delegated authority and responsibility under God. Iqbal reflected on the caliphate as a political question of Muslim unity, but his richer use is metaphysical-ethical: khilafat as the trust of standing in for God on earth, which dignifies human freedom and demands creative, responsible action.
Khalifa
A successor or vicegerent; the head of the Muslim community after the Prophet, and the human as God's steward on earth.
Amaanat
A trust, something held in safekeeping; trustworthiness in honouring what is entrusted.
Naib
A deputy or vicegerent; in religious thought, the human as God's representative on earth.