Is not a caliph appointed in the absence of the one he represents? So how can one say “the caliph of Allah” when Allah is present at all times?
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The questioner : Regarding the caliph of Allah (Mighty and Majestic), O Shaykh, is not a caliph appointed in the absence of the one he represents?
The Shaykh : Yes, did we not say this? We have discussed it in detail.
The questioner : Allah (Mighty and Majestic) is present at all times.
The Shaykh : Yes, but calling him a caliph means that he carries out the law of Allah (Mighty and Majestic) and enforces the law of Allah among His servants.
The questioner : But is Allah (Mighty and Majestic) present at all times?
The Shaykh : It is not as if He is absent. We have discussed this and said: If a person means by “caliph” that he is a deputy for Allah, as one of us acts as a deputy for another, then this is not permissible, because Allah is the One in whose hand is dominion. But if he means by “caliph” that he is one who carries out the command of Allah to enforce the law of Allah among His servants, then there is nothing wrong with that, in detail.
The Shaykh : Yes, did we not say this? We have discussed it in detail.
The questioner : Allah (Mighty and Majestic) is present at all times.
The Shaykh : Yes, but calling him a caliph means that he carries out the law of Allah (Mighty and Majestic) and enforces the law of Allah among His servants.
The questioner : But is Allah (Mighty and Majestic) present at all times?
The Shaykh : It is not as if He is absent. We have discussed this and said: If a person means by “caliph” that he is a deputy for Allah, as one of us acts as a deputy for another, then this is not permissible, because Allah is the One in whose hand is dominion. But if he means by “caliph” that he is one who carries out the command of Allah to enforce the law of Allah among His servants, then there is nothing wrong with that, in detail.