Is the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): “Let those of you who have mature minds and understanding come forward” specific to the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him)?

The questioner:
Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success. Is it understood from the saying of the Prophet that this is specific to the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) so that he may teach his Ummah? As for the imams now, is it permissible for someone other than those with mature minds and understanding to stand behind them?

The Shaykh:
The scholars are the followers of the Messenger and the heirs of the prophets. If the imam is among the scholars, then those with mature minds and understanding should be close to him so that they may learn from him, because he is the heir of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). In any case, being close to the imam, whether one is a scholar or not, is a great virtue. Being close to the imam is a virtue. Yes.

The presenter:
Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success.

The Shaykh:
If the imam needs someone to take over for him in his prayer if something happens to him, for example, if he is unable to recite the Qur'an, he needs a reciter to open the recitation for him. He needs someone who is qualified for that and is close to him. Yes.