Semantic Relation between Quranic Khalifat al-Allah with Imamat in Shia and Sunni's Viewpoint

This study aims to explain the meaning of the term Khilafa in the Qur`an, and shed light on its link with the concept of Leadership. The most comprehensive verse in the Qur`an indicating this issue is the Verse 30 of Sura Baqara. It should be noted that the Succession which is mentioned in the verse is the most superior of all the creatures, and has some distinctive features from them. In Shiite perspective, the Imamate and the position of general position of succession of the prophets is assigned and conducted by God in all aspects including this world and afterword. In short, Imam of every age is one who is appointed by God. In contrast, form the Sunnite view, Imamate is a general leadership which is aimed at protecting people on behalf of the each one of the prophets. For Shi`a, therefore, there is no difference bet-ween the concept of Imam and the quranic Caliph. The two terms are logically the same. On the contrary, Imam for Sunnis implies a concept of the leadership from God only in administration and coordination of daily life of people. Thus, based on the Sunnite defini-tion, the political expert with the ability of implementing of Sentences is eligible for the position of Imam. Khalifa al-Allah, that guardian of God, intermediate of grace and the teacher of angels is not comparable with Sunni's imam.