(al-Nisa...

(al-Nisa, 4: 65) In this sense the use of the word 'Wilayat" is correct, but, in fact, we do not find it being used as a judicial term. Thirdly he held political and social Wilayat. Besides preaching and explaining the commands of Allah and adjudicating the disputes among the Muslims, he administered their social and political affairs. He was Walyy-u Amr al-Muslimin. The following verses envisage this aspect " Obey Allah, His Messenger and those of you who are in charge of your affairs ".

(al-Nisa, 4: 59) " The Prophet has more authority over the believers than that which they have over their selves ". (al-Ahzab, 33: 6) The Prophet had a fourth position also. We will mention it later. The Holy Prophet ruled over the people formally and led them politically. He collected taxes from them and administered their financial and economic affairs according to the command of the Holy Qur'an.

(Vide al-Tauba 9 103) This position of the Holy Prophet out of the three preceding positions, constitutes the basis of the question of Caliphate. It may be mentioned that the word "imam" is also used for the religious leaders and guides from whom the outlines of religion are to be acquired. In this sense the Sunni Muslims apply it to Abu Hanifah, Shafi'i, Malik and Ahmad ibn Hanbal.[^2] It is also often applied to the political and social leaders.

The Holy Prophet has said: "The heart of a Muslim cannot put up with treachery in respect of three things Devotion to the cause of Allah (i.e. whatever one does should be only to seek Divine pleasure). Benevolence for the leaders in the matter of the guidance of the Muslims (i.e. to render them sincere advice, whether they like it or not, and to guide them to the right path as and when there is a danger of their deviating from it). Unwavering support to the community (i.e.

to prefer the interests of the society to one's own interests). Imam Ali in one of his letters recorded in Nahj al-Balaghah says "The betrayal of the community is the worst treachery and the deceiving of the Muslim leaders is the most abominable fraud". It is evident that deceiving the Imam amounts to deceiving all the Muslims. If a person by deceiving his captain, endangers the ship, he in reality betrays all the passengers aboard it.

It is evident that in the above saying of Imam Ali the word "Imam" has been applied to the social and political leader.