What Are Khilafa, Wasiyya, Kha’in, Fasiq, and Fajir?

Question

In the light of the noble Sacred Law, what is the true nature of khilafa and wasiyya (a bequest)? And who is called kha’in (a betrayer of trust), fasiq, and fajir? Please explain in the light of the Qur’an and hadith.

Answer

Khilafa is making someone one’s successor: for example, a shaykh possessing [spiritual] connection, having trained and reformed one of his disciples, appoints him as his deputy, [saying]: “Let people take bay‘ah from you and reform themselves through you,” and, having taught him the method of training, says: “In my place, you carry out the reform.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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