The sunnís, on the other hand, take a less exalted view of
the office of those who have succeeded the High Prophet. They regard the
vicegerency less as a spiritual than as a practical matter. The Khalíf is, in
their eyes, the Defender of the Faith, and he owes his appointment to the
choice and approval of the People.
- Shoghi Effendi (‘Introduction to ‘The
Dawn-Breakers’)
