Page:Thomas Patrick Hughes - Notes on Muhammadanism - 2ed. (1877).djvu/173

152 of Caliph to himself from one of the successors of the old Bagdad Caliphs. It is, however, a mere assertion; for the title and office being elective, and not hereditary, it was not in the power of any Caliph to transfer it to another. Force of circumstances alone has compelled the ruler of the Ottoman Empire to assume the position, and has induced his subjects to acquiesce in the usurpation. We have not seen a single work of authority, nor met with a single man of learning, who has ever attempted to prove that the Sultans of Turkey are rightful Caliphs; for the assumption of the title by any one who is not of the Quraish tribe is undoubtedly illegal and heretical, as will be seen from the following authorities:—

"Ibn-i-Umr relates that the Prophet of God said:—'The Caliphs shall be in the Quraish tribe as long as there are two persons in it, one to rule and another to serve.

"It is a condition that the Caliph (Imám) be of the Quraish tribe. All admit this, except the Khawárij and certain Mutazilahs. We all