Why was our master David called the Caliph of God?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The successorship of David (peace be upon him) is affirmed by the Quranic text, and its meaning is that he was a successor to those who preceded him among creation, or for implementing Allah's rulings. A caliph (khalifah) is one who succeeds another or is made a successor. It does not mean that he is a successor to Allah. Indeed, many scholars have prohibited bestowing the title "Caliph of Allah" upon Muslim rulers. Rather, one says: "The Caliph," or "Caliph of the Messenger of Allah," or "Commander of the Faithful." The first to be called "Commander of the Faithful" was Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him).
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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