The Second Aspect
The second aspect of the topic is related to what kind of mistakes a Khalifa is susceptible to make. Mistakes can be divided into three categories: Mistakes related to worldly affairs; mistakes related to management of the community affairs; and mistakes related to the Shariat's (the divine law) affairs.
Mistakes Related To Worldly Affairs
Since a Prophet and a Khalifa are both appointed by God, then both are susceptible to make the same kinds of mistakes. Let us see what kind of mistakes the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was susceptible to make. We all know how one the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was walking and saw some people crossing their date trees. He asked them why they did it this way and not that way. When he left them, they thought that he was directing them to do the crossing the other way so they did it as he suggested. Next year he crop was not so good. They went and complained to the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) that the other way he suggested was not good. He told them that they should have known better their own worldly affairs.
In other words, a Prophet is not supposed to be am expert in each and every worldly affair. This is not his mission. A Khalifa also cannot be a scientist, an engineer, an architect or a computer expert. It is not his responsibility. So as a Prophet can make a mistake related to worldly affairs, a Khalifa can also make such a mistake. There is no difference between a Khalifa and a Prophet in this type of mistakes.
Mistakes Related To Community Affairs
Let us now consider the second type of mistakes; i.e., mistakes related to the welfare of the community. Once, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was preparing for the first battle, the Battle of Badr. He, being the Commander-In-Chief, led the army and chose an area for the army to camp in preparation for the confrontation with the army of the enemy. His choice was wrong. It was not in the interest of his army to camp in that particular area. One of his followers suggested to camp near the water and the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) agreed. The army moved to the other place and camped near the water.
Bear in mind that this was the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.), he was appointed directly by God, he was the military leader, but he made a mistake which is considered to be a tactical mistake. One of his followers suggested the correct action and the correct action was adopted at once. Thus a Prophet can make such a mistake and a Khalifa can also make such a mistake. But, in both cases, the mistake will be corrected immediately. If, theoretically speaking, no one detected a mistake committed by a Prophet or a Khalifa related to the welfare and progress of the community, then Allah, Who appointed that Prophet and that Khalifa, will take it upon Himself to correct the consequences of such a mistake, and the ultimate outcome will be the enhancement and the betterment of the affairs of the community.
Mistakes Related To Shariat Affairs
Let us now consider the third type of mistakes, i.e., mistakes committed against the Shariat or the divine Law. We all know that according to the Shariat, the obligatory five daily prayers are: the Morning Prayer consisting of two Raka'at, the Zuhr Prayer consisting of four Raka'at, the Asr prayer consisting of four Raka'at, the Maghrib Prayer consisting of three Raka'at and the Isha Prayer consisting of four Raka'at.
This is how the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.), the person appointed by God for the purpose of establishing the Shariat has taught the people to offer prayers. They learned the Shariat from him. Yet, once he was leading Zuhr Prayer and instead of offering four Raka'at he offered only two. Then the Muslims asked him whether the prayers have been shortened. Realizing that he had made a mistake, he completed the other two Raka'at.
Such a mistake related to Shariat matters can be committed by a Prophet or a Khalifa alike but such a mistake is based only upon forgetfulness. A human being can forget. A Prophet and a Khalifa are human beings and both can forget. But such a mistake is rectified immediately. Any mistake related to the Shariat affairs can never be made by intention, whether by a Prophet or by a Khalifa.
We frequently hear the expression that a Prophet is Ma'soom (protected by God against sin). This protection is not something conferred on the Prophet beyond his will. It emanates from him as a natural consequence of his obedience to God. He is aware all the time of the presence of Allah and of his obligations towards Him. This state of continuous awareness of God's presence makes him Ma'soom or divinely protected. How can he intentionally make mistake by disobeying God's commandments? It is impossible!
Similarly, the Khalifa is the person appointed by God. He is the man who is supposed to be the leader of the righteous. He is the most righteous man on earth, and on his shoulders lies the burden of leading the community towards higher and higher level of righteousness. how can it be possible that such a man will intentionally make a mistake by disobeying God? It is impossible! When Allah appoints a person for the purpose of safeguarding the spiritual welfare of a community, then how can anyone expect that person to go against the Shariat and disobey God intentionally? Never! It is absolutely impossible.
There is no difference, in this regard, between a Prophet and a Khalifa. No difference whatsoever. All the mistakes which a Prophet is susceptible to make, also a Khalifa is susceptible to make. There is NO difference whatsoever.
When we realize this concept, then we will be bale to realize the importance, the magnificence and the greatness of the institution of Khilafat. It is nothing less than a continuation of the blessings of prophethood. How fortunate Ahmadis are to be blessed with this institution of Khilafat. The joy they feel and the happiness they experience is unparalleled as this institution was re-established once again for them and will continue to be established, Insha' Allah, till the day of Judgment.
