Discussion on the manner of appointing the Imam.

The Shaykh : Now, the author says "It is obligatory for the Imam", meaning he is appointed. So, who appoints the Imam? Who appoints the Imam? The appointment of the Imam is established by one of three things: either the previous Caliph designates him, or the people of authority and decision (ahl al-hall wa al-'aqd) agree upon him, or he takes it by force and coercion. An example of the first is the designation of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) to 'Umar for the caliphate. Do you understand? If the caliphate of 'Umar is established by the designation of Abu Bakr, but the devil comes and says to a person: Who created Allah? Who succeeded Abu Bakr? Who succeeded Abu Bakr? We say regarding this issue: The one who succeeded Abu Bakr was the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). However, it may be difficult for someone to say: Where is the text? Did the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) say to Abu Bakr, "You are my caliph over my Ummah" with these exact words? No. Some said he designated him by gesture, meaning he performed actions indicating that he was the caliph after him. Others said, rather, his caliphate was established by the consensus of the people of authority and decision, because the Companions agreed upon it. The correct view is that his caliphate was established by explicit text, either clearly or by hint and gesture. So let us look at the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) appointing Abu Bakr as the Imam of the people in his illness for the prayer, until when 'Umar was called, he was angry and said , meaning the wives who called 'Umar. Then he ordered that Abu Bakr be called, so he came and he appointed him over his Ummah for the prayer.