Explanation of the saying: (If the people appoint their eldest as their leader, he replaces their father).

The Shaykh : ... "If the people appoint their eldest as their leader, he replaces their father". If the children adopt this etiquette and appoint their eldest as their leader and chief, he replaces their father in the sense that they live as if their father were among them, because they have appointed their eldest as their chief. This eldest is expected to be the greatest in knowledge, the greatest in intellect, and the greatest in experience, so he will guide his brothers in the manner of their father before him. This brother who was appointed over them is like a substitute, so they will not feel the loss of their father as long as their eldest brother has taken his place after him. Therefore, it is common among people to say that the eldest brother is in the position of a father. There is certainly wisdom in this, but it is not hidden that this is not absolute. How many an elder in age is a junior in status and knowledge, and vice versa. However, this etiquette should be observed—appointing the eldest as long as a way to do so exists—in order to maintain the order, unity, and life of the family after the death of its head, namely their father. If the people appoint their eldest as their leader, he replaces their father.