Author(s): Mehmet KUBAT
Since Imamate (head of state) is accepted as the task of delegation and substitute to the Prophet, is seen an important institution combining two elements such as religion and politics. Since it is seen as the apostleship of the caliphate, the most important and serious differences of opinion have developed around the issue of caliphate or head of state throughout history. The disputes arisen around the question of imamate in the first period of Islam have not only prepared the way of emergence of many theological problems but also caused divisions among some of the well-known sects. In the debates emerged about the issue of Imamate; Kharijites refused the condition stating that the Imam should belong to Quraysh tribe and declared that it must be selected; Shia das defended the appointment of caliph, Ahl al-Sunnah has adopted the requirement of belonging to Quraysh tribe. In the present article, after briefly introducing systems adopted by Islamic sects in the selection of caliphate, some comments put forward by some contemporary writers without taking the time and the conjuncture into consideration about the views of Kharijites on defending electoral system and the appointment of the head of state will be critized and their inconsistency will be revealed.
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