What difference is there between Shi‘ite views of “Imam” and the Sunni view of Caliph?

Answer 1

The concept of "Imam" in Shiism and the concept of "Caliph" in Sunnism differ in terms of their beliefs and interpretations.

Shi'ite Muslims believe that an Imam is a divinely appointed infallible spiritual and political leader who possesses both religious and temporal authority. They believe that the Imam is a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and has the ability to interpret the divine will and teachings of Islam. The Shi'ite view of the Imam is central to their beliefs, and they consider the Imam to be a source of guidance and leadership, both in religious and political matters. The Shia have differed over the number of Imams. The most prominent Shia sect is the Twelver Shia who believe that the number of Imams are 12 and all of them go back to the Prophet (peace be upon him) except Ali the son of Abu Talib.

On the other hand, Sunni Muslims believe that the Caliph is a political leader who is appointed through a democratic process to serve as the head of the Muslim community (just like how the first Caliph, Abu Bakr, was appointed) and he must be from the tribe of Quraysh. They do not believe that the Caliph has any spiritual authority, infallibility, or the ability to interpret the divine will. The Caliph serves as a political leader, responsible for the administration of justice and the protection of the Muslim community.

In summary, the main difference between the Shi'ite view of the Imam and the Sunni view of the Caliph is that the former is believed to possess both religious and temporal authority, while the latter is considered a political leader only.