DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A KHALIFA AND A KING
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A KHALIFA AND A KING
Once Hadrat Umar Radiallahu Anhu asked the members of his Shura as to what was the difference between a Khalifah and a worldly leader (king). One Sahaabi responded by saying, “A Khalifah rules with justice whereas a king looks at his personal interest and gains.” In today’s context it will mean giving position to one’s political party and personal friends. Secondly, the Khalifah treats the entire nation as his family members. Thirdly, he gives preference to the hereafter over the temporary world but at the same time he will attend to the worldly needs.
Allah Jalla Jala Laho advices Dawud Alaihis Salaam in the Quraan Sharif,
يَا دَاوُودُ إِنَّا جَعَلْنَاكَ خَلِيفَةً فِي الْأَرْضِ فَاحْكُم بَيْنَ النَّاسِ بِالْحَقِّ وَلَا تَتَّبِعِ الْهَوَى فَيُضِلَّكَ عَن سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَضِلُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ بِمَا نَسُوا يَوْمَ الْحِسَابِ
Allah addressed Dawood Alaihis Salaam. saying, “O Dawood! Indeed, We have made you a deputy on earth (to ensure that Our commands are carried out), so judge between people with the truth, and do not follow carnal passions which will mislead you from Allah’s path. Verily there shall be a severe punishment for those who deviate from Allah’s path because they forgot the Day of Reckoning.
These were great lessons in the incident of Dawud Alaihis Salaam May Allah Jalla Jala Laho grant us the Taufeeq to take lesson and implement them into our lives! Ameen.
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