A Survey on the Position of the Caliph of the Present Era in the Appearance and Reality from the Viewpoint of Barelvi

Imam Mahdi (A.S) has a special place in the view of Balervis and they regard him as the last Imam and the inward and outward caliph of the present era and believe that he will be both the end to the vicegerency and the last Imam and caliph for the Ummah. In Balervis’ view, Imam Mahdi (A.S) is the twelfth Imam on the earth and the last Divine caliph who has both the outward and inward caliphate. Thus, they consider Imam Mahdi (A.S) as the last friend of God and the man of order at the present age. Balervis consider the appearance of Imam Mahdi (A.S) as the sign of resurrection and believe he will be the reference for all God’s friends and they will conform to him from all over the world. At the time of his appearance, Jesus Christ will conform to him and proclaim his Imamate. In the present paper, with the descriptive-analytic method, and based on library studies, we investigate the position of caliph of the present age from outward and inward aspect based on the Balervi’s view and we conclude that Balervis have a great deal in common with the Twelver Shiites. Strengthening these commonalities will play an important role in the unity of Islamic religions.