You will have come across the term Electoral College and the phrase “Huzoor was elected Khalifatul Masih” in the literature of the Jamaat. It was hence felt that the term “election” be clarified.
Every Ahmadi, including children, knows that only Allah alone raises someone to the status of Khilafat. This, we learn from the Holy Quran where Allah the Almighty clearly states: “Allah has promised to those among you who believe and do good works that He will, surely, make them Successors.” (Ch.24: V.56)
Explaining this verse of Surah Al-Nur, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra states:
“Those who say that people appoint a Khalifa should be ashamed of themselves and should not reject the injunction of Allah the Almighty. Man – weak and frail as he is – has no power or ability to raise the status of another. “Innal Fadhla Bi Yadillah” (Grace is entirely in the hands of Allah). It is entirely Allah’s choice to elevate someone’s status and no one else’s. Man is weak in knowledge and limited in capability. It is only up to the Omnipotent Being to entrust power to someone.” (Khilafat Ala Minhajin-Nabuwwah, Vol I)
The fact of the matter is that when Allah directly appoints a person as a prophet, there is no following at that point. People begin to gather around him and a community of believers (Jamaat) begins to form. At the demise of a prophet, Allah the Almighty blesses that community with an opportunity to raise their hands in the name of a person that Allah chooses for the community as Khalifa.
The history of the Electoral College dates back to the time of Hazrat Umarra, the second Khalifa of the Prophet of Islamsa. On his deathbed, he appointed a six-member committee to elect the Khalifa after his demise. All rightly-guided Khulafa of the Holy Prophet were elected by way of “Shura” (consultation) with the elders of the community.
The same practice has been used in the case of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. But there should be no doubt, as stated clearly in the words of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra quoted above, that no man or institution elects a Khalifa. This “election” only reflects the “selection” of a person by Allah the Almighty to work as the successor of His Prophet.
What proves that a Khalifa is appointed by Allah? Well, his services, his determination, the acceptance of his prayers and the subsequent prosperity and success that comes with his leadership to the community all prove this fact.
History bears witness that in the leadership of Khulafa, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has only seen prosperity and success, and that too, against all odds. Individuals, groups, organisations, institutions and governments stood up against Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya; all such individuals, groups, organisations and governments diminished and perished, while Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, with Khilafat as its leadership flourished and continues to flourish.