there is no doubt that he was satisfied with the title of al-afghani...

there is no doubt that he was satisfied with the title of al-afghani, perhaps because he lived in afghanistan for a long time and because he admired the afghan type of life as his book tarikh of al-afghan shows. The Caliphate the title " caliphah" is an islamic title for the universal muslim authority.

the term "caliphah" and "caliphate" are derived from the word ( khalfah) which means successor, even though it is a subject of debate whether it is used in the sense of a successor of prophet muhammad (p.) or the high authority who represents god on earth. in other words, there is no sure answer to the question whether the title is given by god as uthman, the third caliphah, claimed or it is given by the people as the majority of muslims scholars believe.

the title "caliph" used to imply both religious and political authority in the beginning of islamic history but later, it applied only to the political authority. however, the caliphate played a great role on unifying the muslim nation. it was the symbol of unity especially during the serious crisis of islamic history, such as the civil war between imam ali ( a. ) and governor mu'awiyyaah and the other crisis which followed it.

the common belief was that the title "caliphah" was suitable only for one person as the universal authority. therefore, two persons cannot assume the same title at the same time. the origin of the ideal caliphate goes back to the shari'ah institute which is totally based on the islamic thought. perhaps, the first one who gave more details on the subject was al- mawardi ( d.1058 ). he outlines the ideal caliphate, paying particular attention to the authority who it should be regulated.

he illustrates ten duties incumbent on caliphah in the interest of the islamic community: to preserve islam. to enforce judgments between disputants. to protect the lands. to apply penalties keeping god's prohibition from violation. to defend the frontiers against enemy attack. to carry out the holy war. to collect the community's portion of war booty, tribute and alms tax. to assess what is due the treasury and make disbursements on time.

to choose competent advisors for appointments and financial matters. to carry out for himself the supervision of affairs. the qualification of calipha for the caliphate always, was a matter of debate throughout islamic historyand its eventual failure. the emphasis outlining the duties of the authority by al- mawardi shows the weakness of the calipha during his term.