❖ Analytical Review of Ayat al-Istikhlaf and the Claim of Immediate Caliphate ❖
In various exegetical and scholarly discussions surrounding Ayat al-Istikhlaf, a central question arises: Does the promised caliphate in this verse include Hazrat Ali (RA) or not?
① If not included:
Then one would have to (God forbid) suggest that Hazrat Ali (RA) was deprived of faith and righteous deeds, which is absolutely incorrect.
② If included:
The next question is whether this promise was regarding a “specific and immediate caliphate” (خلافت بلافصل) or a “general caliphate” (مطلق خلافت)?
Summary:
Allah did not promise a specific and immediate caliphate to Hazrat Ali (RA). Ayat al-Istikhlaf was revealed for all the Companions (RA), and the distinct honor of the four rightly guided caliphs remains intact.
These are directed towards specific individuals or groups, such as in Surah Al-Anfal, where Allah says regarding the Muhajirun and Ansar:
"والذین آمنوا وهاجروا وجاهدوا فی سبیل اللہ والذین آووا ونصروا أولئک هم المؤمنون حقا"
“And those who believed, and emigrated, and strove in the way of Allah, and those who gave them shelter and assistance – it is they who are the true believers.”
(Al-Anfal: 74)
It is incorrect to condition or object to such glad tidings, as Allah, the All-Knowing and All-Aware, already knows who is worthy of them.
These apply to the entire Ummah, as in Surah Al-Kahf:
"إن الذین آمنوا وعملوا الصالحات كانت لهم جنات الفردوس نزلا"
“Indeed, those who believe and perform righteous deeds will have Gardens of Paradise as a lodging.”
(Al-Kahf: 107)
Here, no individuals are named; rather, anyone who possesses faith and righteous deeds qualifies for this promise.
Allah commanded the Prophet ﷺ to deal firmly with the hypocrites:
"یا أیها النبی جاهد الکفار والمنافقین واغلظ علیهم"
“O Prophet! Strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites and be harsh with them.”
(At-Tawbah: 73, At-Tahrim: 9)
These verses clearly indicate that the Prophet ﷺ recognized the hypocrites and treated them accordingly—such as by ordering the demolition of Masjid al-Dirar.
Examples:
Therefore, avoiding exaggeration or negligence in evaluating either of these figures is essential.
✔ Assigning Ayat al-Istikhlaf or other Qur'anic glad tidings solely to specific individuals contradicts the general principles of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
✔ One must adopt a balanced approach when discussing the virtues of the Companions and respect hierarchies of merit.
✔ Neither exaggeration nor deficiency should be shown towards any Companion, especially the rightly guided caliphs.
◈ Explanation of Ayat al-Istikhlaf and Related Questions
In various exegetical and scholarly discussions surrounding Ayat al-Istikhlaf, a central question arises: Does the promised caliphate in this verse include Hazrat Ali (RA) or not?
✿ Questions and Their Responses
① If not included:
Then one would have to (God forbid) suggest that Hazrat Ali (RA) was deprived of faith and righteous deeds, which is absolutely incorrect.
② If included:
The next question is whether this promise was regarding a “specific and immediate caliphate” (خلافت بلافصل) or a “general caliphate” (مطلق خلافت)?
- If it was a general caliphate:
This view is correct and universally accepted. - If it was a specific and immediate caliphate:
Then arises the question—did Allah fulfill His promise or not? - If not fulfilled (God forbid):
This would be tantamount to disbelief (kufr). - If fulfilled:
Then, according to historical facts, what would be the status of the three preceding caliphs?
Summary:
Allah did not promise a specific and immediate caliphate to Hazrat Ali (RA). Ayat al-Istikhlaf was revealed for all the Companions (RA), and the distinct honor of the four rightly guided caliphs remains intact.
◈ Types of Glad Tidings (Basharah) in the Qur’an
1. Specific Glad Tidings (بشارت خاصہ)
These are directed towards specific individuals or groups, such as in Surah Al-Anfal, where Allah says regarding the Muhajirun and Ansar:
"والذین آمنوا وهاجروا وجاهدوا فی سبیل اللہ والذین آووا ونصروا أولئک هم المؤمنون حقا"
“And those who believed, and emigrated, and strove in the way of Allah, and those who gave them shelter and assistance – it is they who are the true believers.”
(Al-Anfal: 74)
It is incorrect to condition or object to such glad tidings, as Allah, the All-Knowing and All-Aware, already knows who is worthy of them.
2. General Glad Tidings (بشارت عامہ)
These apply to the entire Ummah, as in Surah Al-Kahf:
"إن الذین آمنوا وعملوا الصالحات كانت لهم جنات الفردوس نزلا"
“Indeed, those who believe and perform righteous deeds will have Gardens of Paradise as a lodging.”
(Al-Kahf: 107)
Here, no individuals are named; rather, anyone who possesses faith and righteous deeds qualifies for this promise.
◈ The Prophet ﷺ and His Command Regarding the Hypocrites
Allah commanded the Prophet ﷺ to deal firmly with the hypocrites:
"یا أیها النبی جاهد الکفار والمنافقین واغلظ علیهم"
“O Prophet! Strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites and be harsh with them.”
(At-Tawbah: 73, At-Tahrim: 9)
These verses clearly indicate that the Prophet ﷺ recognized the hypocrites and treated them accordingly—such as by ordering the demolition of Masjid al-Dirar.
- Any claim that the Prophet ﷺ was unaware of the hypocrites contradicts the Qur’an and Sunnah.
- Those honored and given spoils after the conquest of Makkah were clearly not hypocrites, as their treatment affirms their sincerity.
◈ Status of the Rightly Guided Caliphs and Other Companions
- By the unanimous belief of the Ummah, the rightly guided caliphs refer to only the first four caliphs.
- Hazrat Mu'awiyah (RA), in a linguistic sense, can be termed a rightly guided caliph, but technically his rule is classified as “Just Caliphate” (خلافت عادلہ).
✿ Understanding Collective and Partial Virtue
- The virtue of the Companions is accepted collectively, and a partial virtue does not diminish the overall excellence of another Companion.
Examples:
- The military achievements of Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (RA) represent partial excellence, but they do not reduce the overall stature of a Companion like Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Awf (RA).
- Similarly, the ijtihadi virtues of Hazrat Mu'awiyah (RA) do not diminish the comprehensive excellence of Hazrat Ali (RA).
Therefore, avoiding exaggeration or negligence in evaluating either of these figures is essential.
❖ Conclusion
✔ Assigning Ayat al-Istikhlaf or other Qur'anic glad tidings solely to specific individuals contradicts the general principles of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
✔ One must adopt a balanced approach when discussing the virtues of the Companions and respect hierarchies of merit.
✔ Neither exaggeration nor deficiency should be shown towards any Companion, especially the rightly guided caliphs.
