It is narrated from Hazrat Abu Hurairah that he said: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Indeed, the leadership of the Children of Israel used to be conducted by their prophets. Whenever a prophet passed away, another prophet would succeed him. And indeed, there will be no prophet among you after me. The companions asked: What will there be, O Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)? He said: There will be caliphs, and they will be many. The companions asked: What should we do? He said: Fulfill the pledge of allegiance to each one after the other, and fulfill what is obligatory upon you, and what is obligatory upon them, Allah will soon ask them about it.