Hadith Text & Context

"I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: Islam will continue to be triumphant until there have been twelve Caliphs. Then the Prophet (ﷺ) said something which I could not understand. I asked my father: What did he say? He said: He has said that all of them (twelve Caliphs) will be from the Quraish."

This narration from Sahih Muslim 1821 d in The Book on Government establishes a significant prophecy concerning Islamic leadership and the continuity of the faith's strength.

Scholarly Commentary

The twelve caliphs represent righteous leaders under whom Islam maintains its honor and dominance. Their rule ensures the preservation of Shariah and protection of Muslim interests.

The specification "from Quraish" affirms the Prophetic tradition that leadership remains within the Prophet's tribe, as Quraish possesses deep understanding of governance and religious responsibility.

Scholars differ regarding the identity of these twelve: some include the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs and later Umayyad and Abbasid rulers who upheld justice; others view them as appearing at different eras until the Final Hour.

Significance & Interpretation

This hadith provides assurance of Islam's continued strength through legitimate leadership, offering comfort during times of political turmoil.

It emphasizes the importance of unified leadership under qualified individuals from Quraish who maintain Islamic principles and justice.

The prophecy serves as both a promise of divine protection for the Muslim community and a criterion for evaluating leadership legitimacy throughout Islamic history.