who are khalifs

Khalifs (or Caliphs) are leaders in the Islamic tradition who serve as successors to the Prophet Muhammad. The term "Khalifa" or "Caliph" means "successor," "ruler," or "leader," and it most commonly refers to the leader of a Caliphate—an Islamic state governed by Islamic law. The first caliph was Abu Bakr, the close companion and father-in-law of Muhammad, who was elected after Muhammad's death in 632 CE. The title represents both a political and religious leadership role, acting as a steward or vicegerent of God on earth. The caliph is responsible for leading the Muslim community (Ummah) and upholding Islamic principles. Historically, the "rightly guided" or Rashidun Caliphs—Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali—are idealized for their adherence to consultation and consensus within the Muslim community. After them, the caliphate evolved into dynastic rule under the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties. Different Islamic sects interpret the office differently; for example, Shi'a Islam associates religious leadership with Imams who are descendants of Muhammad, while Sunni Islam traditionally emphasizes the caliph as a political leader from the Quraysh tribe. In modern contexts, Khalifa can also be a title used within certain Islamic religious communities, such as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, where it refers to the spiritual and community leader succeeding their founder. Thus, khalifs are successors and leaders who serve both religious and political functions as heads of the Muslim community through history and varying interpretations.