Is there a difference between removing an imam from office and leaving?
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The questioner : May Allah reward you. Is there a difference between removing an imam from office and leaving?
The Shaykh : Removing an imam from office? How do you mean removing an imam from office and leaving?
The questioner : The people of authority and decision agreed to remove the imam from office.
The Shaykh : This depends on a disagreement among the scholars: is the imam a deputy for the Muslims, or a ruler appointed by Allah? Ibn Rajab (may Allah have mercy on him) mentioned two positions of the scholars in the principles of jurisprudence. If we say he is a deputy for the Muslims, then the people of authority and decision have the right to remove him from office. If we say he is a ruler appointed by Allah, then they do not remove him, except if his affairs become completely corrupt and he becomes entirely unfit. In that case, it may be said that there is nothing wrong with removing him from office.
The Shaykh : Removing an imam from office? How do you mean removing an imam from office and leaving?
The questioner : The people of authority and decision agreed to remove the imam from office.
The Shaykh : This depends on a disagreement among the scholars: is the imam a deputy for the Muslims, or a ruler appointed by Allah? Ibn Rajab (may Allah have mercy on him) mentioned two positions of the scholars in the principles of jurisprudence. If we say he is a deputy for the Muslims, then the people of authority and decision have the right to remove him from office. If we say he is a ruler appointed by Allah, then they do not remove him, except if his affairs become completely corrupt and he becomes entirely unfit. In that case, it may be said that there is nothing wrong with removing him from office.