Khalifa

Khalifa (خليفة ) is Arabic for "stewardship" of nature and family, and is a key obligation of a Muslim. The word is most commonly used for the Islamic leader of the Ummah, which is translated into English as Caliph (see that article for this definition).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

While Sunni and Shia Islam differ sharply on the conduct of a caliph and the right relations between a leader and a community, they do not differ on the underlying theory of stewardship. Both abhor waste of natural resources in particular to show off or demonstrate power. Many consider this conservation urge a necessity of any desert culture, where oases are precious and natural capital must be preserved, in particular clean water sources.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Three specific ways in which khalifa is manifested in Muslim practice are the creation of haram to protect water, hima to protect other species (including those useful to man), and by resisting infidel control over Muslim lands, through jihad.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The modern theory of khalifa as ecological stewardship has developed as part of Islamic science — notably in the work of Seyyed Hossein Nasr. This development parallels similar trends in many religions, for example Henry David Thoreau the Protestant, Thomas Berry the Catholic, and Mohandas Gandhi the Hindu, all of which deplored consumerism and elevate respect for nature to a good in itself.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Arabic: redirect Arabic language...

Stewardship: In general stewardship is responsibility for taking good care of resources entrusted to one....

Muslim: A Muslim (Arabic: ????) is an adherent of Islam. Literally, the word means someone who has submitted him or herself to God....

Khalifa related Images and Photos (experimental)

WIZ KHALIFA - Wheel	WIZ KHALIFA - Captain	Wiz Khalifa - Rolling Papers	Wiz Khalifa 2012 Wall Calendar
Rolling Stone - Wiz Khalifa 2011	After the Battle of Omdurman the Defeated Khalifa Flees the Battlefield