Must One Be a Disciple to Receive Khilafa?

Question

Is it necessary to make someone a disciple in order to give him khilafa? Or is it necessary that the one receiving khilafa be a disciple specifically of the one giving it? Can khilafa be given to the disciple of one’s own brother in the path (of the same silsila)? Can khilafa even be given to the disciple of another silsila, without first making him one’s own disciple?

Answer

If he has purified his inner self and attained the quality of ihsan and hudur (presence of heart before Allah), then he too may be given ijaza (authorization). Being a disciple is not formally necessary, though being a disciple brings greater benefit.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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