Khilafa from the Shaykh of Another Silsila

Question

Question: If someone has been granted authorized khilafa in one silsila (chain of spiritual succession), and then the shaykh of another silsila also grants him khilafa, may he accept that khilafa? What need is there for this? Is khilafa from a single silsila not sufficient?

Answer

Khilafa is not the true objective [of suluk], and one should not strive for it, for this involves seeking the position of shaykh, which is contrary to the path of suluk. Nevertheless, if some elder grants permission and khilafa, even if he belongs to another silsila, it should be accepted in view of his sincerity and kindness — but it should not be requested from him, nor…

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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