Overview
The members of the community believe that the Ahmadiyya version of succession is the continuation of the Islamic Caliphate (Arabic: Khilāfah). This is believed to have been re-established with the appearance of Ghulam Ahmad whom Ahmadis believe was the Promised Messiah and Mahdi.
Ahmadis also believe that God has assured them that this succession will endure to the end of time, conditional upon their righteousness and faith in God. The Khalifatul Masih has overall authority for all religious and organizational matters. According to Ahmadiyya thought, it is not essential for a Khalifa to be the head of a state, rather the spiritual and religious significance is emphasised.
Read more about this topic: Khalifatul Masih