The Holy Quran, which Muslims believe to be the direct Word of God, has promised Muslims who are good and righteous the reward of ‘Khilafat‘ whereby a ‘Khalifa’ (spiritual Successor), is appointed by Allah to continue the work of a Prophet. This is an elected office where the angels superintend the election process. The Khalifa of Islam is God’s man on earth, chosen by Him. 

Today the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Muslim sect in the world that is united at the hand of one leader, who is known as the Khalifa. 

The Khalifatul Masih is the successor to the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as). After his demise on 26 May 1908, the institution of Khilafat was re-established in Islam on 27 May 1908. 

In 2008 the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community celebrated 100 years of the Khilafat.

The institution of Khilafat is the source of the Community’s unity, vibrancy, organisation, progress and its focus on peace. 

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aa) is the fifth Khalifa of the Promised Messiah and the current Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. 

Although Khilafat is not in any way a hereditary institution, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aa) also has the distinct honour of being the great-grandson of the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.