What is the concept of bay'ah (pledge of allegiance) and al-jama'ah (congregation) in Islam, and their relationship to citizenship?

Question:
Your Eminence, what is the concept and meaning of bay'ah (pledge of allegiance) and al-jama'ah (congregation) in Islam, and their relationship to the term citizenship?

Answer:
Citizenship: A nation does not exist or form without a ruler (wali al-amr), because there is no congregation without an imam, and no imamate without obedience and submission. This is a necessity. It is not sufficient for Muslims to gather without Muslim leadership to guide and direct them. Therefore, pledging allegiance to the ruler is a necessity. When the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) passed away, the Companions did not attend to preparing his body for burial until they pledged allegiance to the Caliph. They pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him). Once they had pledged allegiance to him, they proceeded to prepare the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) for burial, pray over him, and bury him. Yes.