Khilafat

The Khilafat, or Caliphate, refers to the Islamic form of governance led by a caliph, who is considered a religious and political successor to the Prophet Muhammad. Established after Muhammad's death in the 7th century, the caliphate aimed to unify Muslims and uphold Islamic law. The Ottoman Empire was the last widely recognized caliphate, ending in 1924. The Khilafat Movement emerged in the early 20th century, particularly in India, advocating for the preservation of the Ottoman caliphate. It sought to mobilize Muslims against colonial rule and assert their identity but eventually faded as the caliphate was abolished.